John Jay argues that only a united America can avoid unnecessary wars, resolve disputes fairly, and maintain peaceful relations with the world.
In Federalist No. 3, John Jay expands on his core message from the previous essay: the United States must remain unified if it hopes to maintain peace and avoid conflict. Jay argues that a strong national government is far better suited than thirteen separate states to prevent war, settle international disputes, and uphold agreements with other nations. Peace, he insists, is not a matter of luck — it is a matter of structure.
Jay highlights that foreign nations are more likely to respect a unified nation with consistent laws and a single diplomatic voice. Fragmentation, on the other hand, invites confusion, manipulation, and conflict. A weak or divided America would be vulnerable to border disputes, trade disagreements, and international pressure that could quickly escalate into violence.
Jay’s message is clear: unity is the surest path to peace.
Key Arguments of Federalist No. 3
1. A Unified Nation Is Less Likely to Be Drawn Into War
Jay argues that a single federal government is:
• more capable of evaluating disputes calmly
• less likely to be swayed by local passions
• better equipped to recognize the long-term consequences of conflict
He believes national leaders will be more experienced, more informed, and more accountable in matters of war and peace.
2. Local Governments Are More Prone to Rash Decisions
Individual states, Jay warns, may be influenced by:
• regional rivalries
• border conflicts
• commercial jealousies
• local passions or prejudices
These factors could lead a state to provoke or escalate disputes that affect the entire country.
A national government reduces the risk of impulsive or biased decisions.
3. Foreign Nations Respect Strength and Clarity
Jay emphasizes that foreign powers must know:
• who they are negotiating with
• what the rules are
• that agreements will be honored consistently
A fragmented system — where each state manages its own foreign policy — creates confusion and invites exploitation.
Unity ensures credibility.
4. National Government Provides Fairness and Impartiality
Jay makes a surprisingly modern argument:
local and state officials may be too close to the conflicts they are supposed to judge.
A federal government, with broader perspective, can:
• apply uniform standards
• evaluate disputes objectively
• avoid favoritism or local influence
This impartiality is essential for maintaining peace.
5. Peace Is Protected Through Structure, Not Wishful Thinking
Jay believed deeply in deliberate design.
War is often the result of misunderstanding, pride, or opportunism — all of which are more likely when governments are fractured.
The Constitution’s system of unified diplomacy is a structural safeguard against unnecessary conflict.
Modern Relevance
Jay’s insights about unity and foreign policy remain powerful in an era of global interdependence.
Today, just as in 1787:
• fragmented governance weakens stability
• inconsistent policy invites conflict
• and disinformation can inflame local passions
Many modern challenges — climate policy, trade disputes, human rights, border issues — illustrate the importance of speaking with a coherent national voice.
Ethical progress requires systems capable of cooperation, negotiation, and long-term planning.
Jay’s argument is ultimately about responsible governance — a lesson as urgent today as it was in the founding era.
Herald Ethical Insight
Federalist No. 3 reinforces a principle central to ethical governance:
peace is preserved not by good intentions alone, but by just, stable structures.
Movements rooted in compassion — from animal protection to environmental stewardship — cannot flourish in a world governed by instability or impulsive decision-making.
They require systems that prioritize long-term peace, fairness, and cooperative problem-solving.
Jay’s logic aligns with the Humane Herald’s mission:
A society committed to justice must first be committed to stability and unity.
Lesson in Liberty
Peace is a product of structure. A unified nation is better equipped to act wisely, judge fairly, and avoid needless conflict.
The Humane Herald 