The Federalist Papers

by Alexander Hamilton

Nothing is more certain than the indispensable necessity of government,

equally undeniable, that whenever and however it is instituted, the people must cede to it some of their natural rights in order to vest it with requisite powers.

be one nation, under one federal government, or that they should divide themselves into separate confederacies,

principal purposes to be answered by union are these the common defense of the members; the preservation of the public peace as well against internal convulsions as external attacks; the regulation of commerce with other nations and between the States; the superintendence of our intercourse, political and commercial, with foreign countries.

authorities essential to the common defense are these: to raise armies; to build and equip fleets; to prescribe rules for the government of both; to direct their operations; to provide for their support.

Congress have an unlimited discretion to make requisitions of men and money; to govern the army and navy; to direct their operations.

their requisitions are made constitutionally binding upon the States,