Alexander Hamilton’s First Federalist Paper -- Federalist Papers

Alexander Hamiltons First Federalist PaperAlexander Hamiltons first Federalist Paper endorses ratification of the proposed constitution. His unifying point is that the use of reasonin the form of the peoples reflection and choice allow for pass along to the truth, whereas their use of passion will lead to ruin. Hamilton attempts to persuade his readers to make the correct decision by reminding them of the sheer importance of the matter. He suggests that good men will want to make the correct choice in light of their true interests (33), while the adversaries of the Constitution will be ruled by passions, deceit, and even gutless minds. He frankly warns his readers against any impressions other than those which may result from the evidence of truth (35) he offers them a chance to join him on the right side of meat of the issue, which he implies he has arrived at by knowledgeable deliberation. Finally, Hamilton courts his audience by implying that they will use reason to reach the t ruth. By contrast, the opp unitynts of the Constitution rely on their emotions and follow a much more certain road to the introduction of despotism (35). In the first paragraph, Hamilton introduces the idea of truthnot in passing, but by asking whether good government from reflection and choice is at all possible (33). He indicates that the decision is of greater importance than just one country the wrong decision would deserve to be considered as the general misfortune of mankind (33). By broadening the implications of the question at hand, depicting it as of the first magnitude to society (34), and describing the Constitution as the safest course for your liberty, your dignity, and your happiness (36) and favorable to the discovery of truth ... ... is a compliment to his readers minds. He uses words uniform consideration, frankly acknowledge to you, and I propose (36) to illustrate the rationalism he expects to share with them. Hamilton uses imagery and rhetorical language effe ctively in order to sink his adversaries in the eyes of the people. His main tool is a rationalistic truth which he detaches from his opponents and associates with himself. He also portrays truth religiously, and connects the Constitution and its supporters with the highest cause. Hamilton passionately defends and elevates the peoples use of reason. But he equally passionately believes that the peoples reason is admirable only when it leads to the conclusion that the United States needs a strong, vigorous, interchange government. Source CitedThe Federalist Papers, ed. Clinton Rossiter New York Penguin Books, 1961