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Federalist No. 11
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Federalist Papers, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
The Importance of the Constitution
The Necessity of a Strong Union
Leadership and Representation
Checks and Balances
Federal Power vs. States Rights
Summary
Analysis
Alexander Hamilton argues that a strong, unified federal government is necessary to create a stable and efficient system for raising revenue, primarily through trade and tariffs. He points out that commerce is the lifeblood of a growing nation and that a well-organized central government can collect taxes more effectively than individual states acting alone. Hamilton emphasizes that tariffs (taxes on imported goods) are a better way to fund the government than direct taxes on citizens, which are harder to collect and enforce. A united nation with a single, coordinated trade policy can prevent smuggling and ensure that the government gets the funds it needs to function.
Hamilton draws on the economic failures of the Articles of Confederation to argue that a strong, centralized system for raising revenue is essential for national stability. At the time, the absence of a unified tax policy left the government unable to fund itself effectively, leading to debt and financial chaos. Hamilton’s preference for tariffs over direct taxes addresses both practicality and public sentiment—tariffs are easier to enforce and less politically inflammatory in a country still wary of internal taxation after the Revolution.
Themes
Hamilton warns that if states impose separate taxes and regulations, enforcement will be weak, and revenue will be lost. Hamilton also argues that a strong navy and border protection are necessary to safeguard trade and prevent tax evasion. Ultimately, he believes that economic strength and political unity go hand in hand—if the federal government can effectively manage revenue, the entire country will prosper.
In linking economic policy to national security, Hamilton expands his argument beyond revenue collection to the broader implications of federal power. A strong navy and border protection are not just about defending against foreign threats: they are also practical tools for enforcing tariffs and controlling commerce. His focus on preventing smuggling ties directly to concerns about state-level tax evasion, where weak enforcement had cost the Confederation significant revenue.
Themes
