The Federalist Papers · Chapter
XXIV: The Powers Necessary to the Common Defense Further Considered explained
Hamilton addresses the objection that the proposed Constitution does not adequately prevent standing armies in peacetime.
What happens
Hamilton addresses the objection that the proposed Constitution does not adequately prevent standing armies in peacetime. He argues that the power to raise armies is vested in the legislature, not the executive, and that the two-year appropriation limit provides security. He reviews state constitutions and the Articles of Confederation, finding no general prohibition, and contends that external threats from Britain, Spain, and Native tribes necessitate a discretionary military establishment.
Themes in this chapter
National Security and Foreign Relations
Hamilton argues that external threats from Britain, Spain, and Native tribes require a flexible military policy.
Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances
The power to raise armies is placed in the legislature, with a two-year funding limit as a check.
Constitutional Interpretation and Authority
Hamilton examines state constitutions and the Articles of Confederation to argue that the proposed Constitution is consistent with American practice.
Characters to notice
- Publius
Author of the essay, arguing for the necessity of legislative discretion over military forces.
- Alexander Hamilton
Likely author of this Federalist Paper, defending the proposed Constitution's military provisions.
- Congress
The legislative body in which the power to raise armies is vested under the proposed Constitution.
- The Indians
Referenced as natural enemies on the Western frontier, necessitating garrisons.
Key passages
“the whole power of raising armies was lodged in the Legislature , not in the Executive ; that this legislature was to be a popular body, consisting of the representatives of the people periodically elected; and that instead of the provision he had supposed in favor of standing armies, there was to be found, in respect to this object, an important qualification even of the legislative discretion, in that clause which forbids the appropriation of money for the support of an army for any longer period than two years”
The Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the authority to raise armies, and it limits military funding to two years at a time, which is a safeguard against standing armies.
Hamilton emphasizes the legislative control and the two-year appropriation as key protections.
“The savage tribes on our Western frontier ought to be regarded as our natural enemies, their natural allies, because they have most to fear from us, and most to hope from them.”
Native American tribes on the western border are naturally hostile to the United States and allied with European powers, making frontier defense necessary.
Hamilton justifies military garrisons by citing the threat from Native tribes allied with Britain and Spain.