The Federalist No. 3

by Allison Jones

In this letter, written 3 November 1787, John Jay focused on the country being safer with a strong federal government than if the states remained separate or in loose confederations.

“At present I mean only to consider it as it respects security for the preservation of peace and tranquility, as well against dangers from foreign arms and influence, as from dangers of the like kind arising from domestic causes.”

One of the main reasons that nations go to war is the breaking of treaties or international laws.  With one central government in authority instead of several, treaties and laws will be interpreted and applied in one consistent way.  This would provide fewer ways to offend foreign nations that may be able to wage war on America. 

Jay asserts that a strong government would attract people to work in it and would thus work better than the smaller state governments.  Also, since they would be removed from their local passions and concerns, the representatives would be more calm and fair in the decisions made.

“But the national Government, not being affected by those local circumstances, will neither be induced to commit the wrong themselves, not want power or inclination to prevent, or punish its commission by others.”

Another cause of war is “direct and unlawful violence” such as invading or attacking a neighboring country.  Such strife, Jay says, is most often “caused by the passions and interest of a part than of the whole.”  Problems arise at the local level first.  If foreign relations are dealt with on a national level, the local problems are less likely to erupt into fully fledged international incidents.

“But not only fewer just causes of war will be given by the national Government, but it will also be more in their power to accommodate and settle them amicably.”

The final point in this letter is that a larger more powerful federal government is more respected by other nations.  Small, weak nations may be humiliated and treated unfairly by stronger nations.  One general government is safer for its citizens than the alternative.