The great leading objects of the federal government, in which revenue is concerned, are to maintain domestic peace, and provide for the common defense.
Interpretation
The federal government primarily aims to ensure peace and security for its citizens.
In this quote, Alexander Hamilton emphasizes the fundamental responsibilities of the federal government with regard to financial matters. He argues that the main purposes of generating revenue and managing finances should be to maintain internal order and to ensure that the nation is well-protected against external threats. This reflects the essential role of government in safeguarding its citizens and promoting a stable society.
In practice
In a speech about national policy, one might say, 'As Hamilton noted, the primary role of our federal government is to maintain domestic peace and ensure our national defense.'
When men, engaged in unjustifiable pursuits, are aware that obstructions may come from a quarter which bare apprehension of opposition from doing what they would with eagerness rush into if no such external impediments were to be feared.
The tendency of a national bank is to increase public and private credit. The former gives power to the state, for the protection of its rights and interests: and the latter facilitates and extends the operations of commerce among individuals. Industry is increased, commodities are multiplied, agriculture and manufacturers flourish: and herein consists the true wealth and prosperity of a state.
It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government.
The Achaeans soon experienced, as often happens, that a victorious and powerful ally is but another name for a master.
The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge right or make good decision.
The true principle of a republic is that the people should choose whom they please to govern them. Representation is imperfect, in proportion as the current of popular favor is checked. The great source of free government, popular election, should be perfectly pure, and the most unbounded liberty allowed.
Government should be a place where people can come together, and no one gets left behind. No oneβ¦gets left behind. An instrument of good.
Democratic accountability means that governments must be popularly accepted, with citizens empowered to replace corrupt or incompetent rulers.
Local assemblies of the people constitute the strength of free nations. Municipal institutions are to liberty what primary schools are to science: they bring it within the people's reach, and teach them how to use and enjoy it. A nation may establish a system of free government, but without the spirit of municipal institutions it cannot have the spirit of liberty.
Fill you mind with the meaningless stimuli of a world preoccupied with meaningless things, and it will not be easy to feel peace in your heart.
The introduction of a substantial Government transfer tax on all transactions might prove the most serviceable reform available,with a view to mitigating the predominance of speculation in the United States.
I swear I will not dishonor my soul with hatred, but offer myself humbly as a guardian of nature, as a healer of misery, as a messenger of wonder, as an architect of peace.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.