# XXI: Other Defects of the Present Confederation explained — The Federalist Papers

> Chapter companion for The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton.

## What happens

Hamilton enumerates critical defects in the Articles of Confederation, including the lack of a sanction to enforce federal laws, the absence of a mutual guaranty of state governments, and the flawed system of state quotas for revenue. He argues these weaknesses undermine the Union and necessitate a stronger national government with independent taxing power.

## Themes in this chapter

### Federalism and the Necessity of Union

Hamilton argues that the Confederation's defects, such as lack of enforcement power and revenue system, threaten the Union's survival.

### Economic Prosperity and Commerce

Discusses the inequality of state quotas and advocates for national taxation on consumption as a fairer, more effective revenue method.

### Control of Faction and Majority Tyranny

Highlights the need for a federal guaranty to protect states from internal usurpation and factional violence, referencing Massachusetts' recent troubles.

## Character check-ins

### Publius

Author of the essay, addressing the people of New York.

### Alexander Hamilton

Likely author of this Federalist Paper, critiquing the Confederation.

## Key lines

> The next most palpable defect of the subsisting Confederation, is the total want of a sanction to its laws.

The most obvious flaw in the current Confederation is that it has no power to enforce its own laws.

_Hamilton identifies the lack of enforcement as a critical weakness._

> The want of a mutual guaranty of the state governments is another capital imperfection in the federal plan.

Another major flaw is that the federal government does not guarantee the protection of state governments.

_Highlights the absence of a mechanism to defend states from internal threats._

> The principle of regulating the contributions of the states to the common treasury by quotas is another fundamental error in the Confederation.

Basing state contributions to the national treasury on fixed quotas is a basic mistake in the Confederation.

_Criticizes the quota system for causing inequality and inefficiency._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_federalist_papers_se/chapters/xxi-other-defects-of-the-present-confederation
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_federalist_papers_se
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