The Importance of a Federal Government

It seems to prove that the states ought not to prefer a national constitution which could only be kept in motion by the instrumentality of a large army continually on foot. Such a scheme, if practicable at all, would instantly degenerate into a military despotism; it will be found in every light impracticable. A project of this kind is a little less romantic than the monster-taming spirit which is attributed to the fabulous heroes and demigods of antiquity. Even in those confederacies which have been composed of members smaller than many of our counties, the principle of legislation for sovereign states supported by military coercion has never been effectual. The majesty of the National Authority must be