The Federalist Papers · Chapter
XVII: The Same Subject Continued (The Insufficiency of the Present Confederation to Preserve the Union) explained
Hamilton argues that the national government is unlikely to usurp state powers because local governments naturally hold greater influence over citizens through the administration of justice and regulation of daily life.
What happens
Hamilton argues that the national government is unlikely to usurp state powers because local governments naturally hold greater influence over citizens through the administration of justice and regulation of daily life. He compares state governments to feudal baronies, warning that they may rival or counteract federal authority, and promises a review of historical confederacies to support his case.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because Hamilton directly confronts the most emotionally charged accusatio…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Federalism and the Necessity of Union
Hamilton explores the balance of power between state and federal governments, arguing that states naturally hold more influence and may rival the Union.
- Human Nature and the Capacity for Self-Government
The essay discusses human affections being stronger toward local than distant objects, explaining why citizens favor state governments over the national government.
- Constitutional Interpretation and Authority
Hamilton addresses concerns about federal overreach and argues that the Constitution's design naturally limits national encroachment on state powers.
Characters to notice
- Publius
Author of the essay, addressing the people of New York and defending the proposed Constitution against objections of federal overreach.
- Alexander Hamilton
Likely author of this Federalist Paper, writing under the pseudonym Publius to advocate for ratification.
Key passages
“It is a known fact in human nature, that its affections are commonly weak in proportion to the distance or diffusiveness of the object.”
People naturally care more about what is close to them than what is far away.
Hamilton uses this principle to explain why citizens are more attached to their state governments than to the national government.
“The ordinary administration of criminal and civil justice... contributes, more than any other circumstance, to impressing upon the minds of the people, affection, esteem, and reverence towards the government.”
The daily operation of courts and law enforcement is the most powerful way to earn citizens' loyalty and respect for a government.
Hamilton argues that state governments, which handle most justice, naturally gain more popular support than the federal government.
“The separate governments in a confederacy may aptly be compared with the feudal baronies; with this advantage in their favor, that from the reasons already explained, they will generally possess the confidence and goodwill of the people.”
State governments in a confederation are like feudal lords, but with the added benefit of popular support.
Hamilton warns that states, like feudal barons, may rival central authority, but they are even more dangerous because they enjoy public trust.
