The Federalist Papers, Federalist No. 17 summary

What happens

1. Hamilton argues that national ambition seeks commerce, money, diplomacy, and war rather than the burdens of local administration.
2. He says popular influence restrains national overreach and gives honestly managed state governments an advantage over national authority.
3. People favor nearby institutions, especially state courts that directly protect their lives and possessions.
4. Feudal history shows powerful lords resisting sovereigns, while oppressive nobles sometimes drive people into alliance with monarchs.
5. Scotland illustrates the strength of local loyalty, and Hamilton compares separate governments to baronies capable of obstructing central power.

In this paper

Quick check