WHENEVER OR HOWEVER INSTITUTED, government is indispensable.
And to vest it with the requisite powers, the People must cede some natural rights.
This was done at a very early period in our history, when the value and blessings of a union of the States induced the People’s representatives to institute a Federal government to preserve and perpetuate those advantages.
It was formed when homes were in flames and many were bloodied. It is therefore unsurprising the government they instituted was found greatly deficient, since time was insufficient to undertake a calm and mature reflection on what would constitute a wise and well balanced government for a free People.
Here I respond to those who seek to divide the States into distinct confederacies or sovereignties and thereby forsake the safety and happiness of our constitutional union.
A Single Union Is Greatly Preferable to Several
A multitude of circumstances favor a single union over several.
America consists of a single, connected, fertile, and expansive country, with a variety of soils and productions, watered by innumerable streams and navigable waters, forming natural highways for easy communication and the mutual transportation and exchange of various commodities.
Providence also has given America one united People, who are descended from the same ancestors, speak the same language, profess the same religion, are attached to the same principles of government, and by their joint counsels, arms and efforts, fought side by side through a long and bloody revolutionary war, and nobly established general liberty and independence.
This country and this People seem to have been made for each other, and they should never be split into a number of unsocial, jealous, and alien sovereignties.
Similar sentiments have hitherto prevailed among all orders and denominations of individuals among us. We have uniformly been one People, with each individual citizen everywhere enjoying the same national rights, privileges, and protections.
As a nation, we have made peace and war, vanquished our common enemies, formed alliances, and adopted treaties, compacts, and conventions with foreign states.
The Constitutional Convention Was the Greatest Ever Convened to Establish a Government
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was composed of intelligent people committed equally to union and liberty. They were persuaded that security for both could only be found in a national government, wisely framed and articulated with one voice.
The Convention itself was composed of individuals who possessed the confidence of the People.
Many were highly distinguished by patriotism, virtue, and wisdom.
They undertook the arduous task in the mild season of peace, with minds unoccupied by other subjects. They passed many months in cool, uninterrupted, and daily consultation.
Without being awed by power or influenced by any passion except love of country, they finally presented and recommended to the People the constitutional plan produced by joint and unanimous councils.
The composition of the 1787 Constitutional Convention resembled that of the memorable Continental Congress of 1774, which the majority of citizens believed was composed of wise and experienced individuals who – being convened from different parts of the country – brought with them and communicated to each other a variety of useful information.
During the time shared together in the Congress – and inquiring into and discussing the true interests of the colonies – they undoubtedly acquired a very accurate knowledge of those interests.
Each member of the 1774 Congress was individually interested in public liberty and prosperity.
Each was thus induced by inclination as much as by duty to recommend only those measures found prudent and advisable after the most mature of deliberations.
These and similar considerations induced the People to rely greatly on the judgment and integrity of that Congress – and to follow its advice – although only a few of its members were generally known or fully tested – and notwithstanding the various arts and endeavors employed to defeat its proposals.
With even greater reason we can respect the judgment and advice of the 1787 Convention that composed the Constitution.
Several of the most distinguished members of the 1774 Congress also served as members of the Constitutional Convention.
Those individuals – who had proven their patriotism and ability – were familiar with the acquisition of political information, and they carried into the Convention their accumulated knowledge and experience.
Their plan was recommended only – and not imposed – so that it would receive neither blind approval nor blind disapproval, in the hope that it would encourage the sedate and candid consideration the magnitude and importance of the subject demand.
But this was more of a wish or hope than an expectation, as shown by opposition to ratification of the Constitution.
The Constitutional Convention, every Congress before it, and the People have invariably believed the prosperity of America depended upon its union. Those who deprecate its importance have no good purpose in mind. Every citizen should see that this will be the end of our greatness.
The People Ought to Reject Arguments Against the Constitution Just As They Rejected the Arguments Against the Proposals of the Congress of 1774
The Continental Congress of 1774 recommended certain measures whose wisdom was ultimately proven true.
But their proposals soon were attacked by the press, by officers of the government who obeyed the dictates of personal interest, and by others still – who from mistake, ambition, or the undue influence of former attachments – were unstoppable in their efforts to persuade the People to reject the advice of that patriotic Congress.
Although many were deceived and deluded, the great majority of the People reasoned and decided judiciously, to their happiness.
The Constitutional Convention, every Congress before it, and the People have invariably believed the prosperity of America depended upon its union.
Those who deprecate its importance have no good purpose in mind. Every citizen should see that this will be the end of our greatness.
In Federalist 3, I explain why a Federal government will provide greater safety, less war, and more peace.