# XVII: The Same Subject Continued (The Insufficiency of the Present Confederation to Preserve the Union) explained — The Federalist Papers > Chapter companion for The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton. ## What happens Hamilton argues that the national government is unlikely to usurp state powers because local governments naturally hold greater influence over citizens through the administration of justice and regulation of daily life. He compares state governments to feudal baronies, warning that they may rival or counteract federal authority, and promises a review of historical confederacies to support his case. ## Themes in this chapter ### Federalism and the Necessity of Union Hamilton explores the balance of power between state and federal governments, arguing that states naturally hold more influence and may rival the Union. ### Human Nature and the Capacity for Self-Government The essay discusses human affections being stronger toward local than distant objects, explaining why citizens favor state governments over the national government. ### Constitutional Interpretation and Authority Hamilton addresses concerns about federal overreach and argues that the Constitution's design naturally limits national encroachment on state powers. ## Character check-ins ### Publius Author of the essay, addressing the people of New York and defending the proposed Constitution against objections of federal overreach. ### Alexander Hamilton Likely author of this Federalist Paper, writing under the pseudonym Publius to advocate for ratification. ## Key lines > It is a known fact in human nature, that its affections are commonly weak in proportion to the distance or diffusiveness of the object. People naturally care more about what is close to them than what is far away. _Hamilton uses this principle to explain why citizens are more attached to their state governments than to the national government._ > The ordinary administration of criminal and civil justice... contributes, more than any other circumstance, to impressing upon the minds of the people, affection, esteem, and reverence towards the government. The daily operation of courts and law enforcement is the most powerful way to earn citizens' loyalty and respect for a government. _Hamilton argues that state governments, which handle most justice, naturally gain more popular support than the federal government._ > The separate governments in a confederacy may aptly be compared with the feudal baronies; with this advantage in their favor, that from the reasons already explained, they will generally possess the confidence and goodwill of the people. State governments in a confederation are like feudal lords, but with the added benefit of popular support. _Hamilton warns that states, like feudal barons, may rival central authority, but they are even more dangerous because they enjoy public trust._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_federalist_papers_se/chapters/xvii-the-same-subject-continued-the-insufficiency-of-the-present-confederation-to-preserve-the-union - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_federalist_papers_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_federalist_papers_se/chapters