# XXVIII: The Same Subject Continued (The Idea of Restraining the Legislative Authority in Regard to the Common Defense Considered) explained — The Federalist Papers > Chapter companion for The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton. ## What happens Hamilton argues that the national government must have the power to use force, including a standing army, to suppress insurrections and rebellions. He contends that the people's ultimate security lies in the representative nature of the government and the ability of state governments to check federal usurpations. The large extent of the country and the balance between state and federal power make despotism unlikely. ## Themes in this chapter ### Federalism and the Necessity of Union Hamilton argues that a large union provides security against both foreign threats and domestic insurrection, and that state governments serve as a check on federal power. ### Republican Government and Representation The essay emphasizes that the whole power of the proposed government is in the hands of the people's representatives, which is the essential security for rights. ### Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances Hamilton describes how state and federal governments check each other, and how the people can use one to redress invasions by the other. ### Human Nature and the Capacity for Self-Government The essay acknowledges that seditions and insurrections are inevitable in all societies, but argues that a large republic with informed citizens can resist tyranny. ## Character check-ins ### Publius Author of the essay, addressing the people of New York. ### Alexander Hamilton Primary author of this Federalist Paper, arguing for federal military power. ### Congress Implied as the legislative body whose authority is being considered. ### The Senate Referenced indirectly as part of the national government. ### The Judges Mentioned in the context of legal authority and the laws. ## Key lines > That there may happen cases in which the national government may be necessitated to resort to force, cannot be denied. It is undeniable that the national government may sometimes need to use force. _Opening assertion justifying federal military power._ > If the representatives of the people betray their constituents, there is then no resource left but in the exertion of that original right of self-defense which is paramount to all positive forms of government. If elected officials betray the people, the only remaining option is the natural right of self-defense, which overrides any written laws. _Hamilton argues that ultimate sovereignty rests with the people._ > The people, by throwing themselves into either scale, will infallibly make it preponderate. The people can tip the balance of power by supporting either the state or federal government. _Describes the people's role in the federal-state balance._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_federalist_papers_se/chapters/xxviii-the-same-subject-continued-the-idea-of-restraining-the-legislative-authority-in-regard-to-the-common-defense-considered - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_federalist_papers_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_federalist_papers_se/chapters