HKB
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Often appears with: forms of government · state constitutional practice · standing armies · stability of government · short appointments and frequent elections · restraining legislative authority · liberty vs independence · justice as a virtue · defense policy · assemblies, councils, and senates
Usually: argument (2) · injustice endured (1) · censure (1) · exhortation (1)
“A frequent change of men will result from a frequent return of elections; and a frequent change of measures from a frequent change of men: whilst energy in government requires not only a certain duration of power, but the execution of it by a single hand.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · insight
Hamilton claims that restraining legislative authority on defense comes from an overzealous liberty zeal, argues most states reject it, and maintains that experience shows stronger government is essential to the community’s welfare.
system, we may travel from one chimerical project to another; we may try change after change; but we shall never be likely to make any material change for the better. The idea of restraining the legislative authority, in the means of providing for the national defense, is one of those refinements which owe their origin to a zeal for liberty more ardent than enlightened. We have seen, however, that it has not had thu…
The author describes the convention’s challenge of balancing government energy and stability with liberty, arguing that short terms and frequent elections can undermine energy and predictable law enforcement.
it be perceived, that besides these inducements to candor, many allowances ought to be made for the difficulties inherent in the very nature of the undertaking referred to the convention. The novelty of the undertaking immediately strikes us. It has been shown in the course of these papers, that the existing Confederation is founded on principles which are fallacious; that we must consequently change this first foun…