where science and ethics intersect with politics
In Federalist No. 7, Alexander Hamilton argues that unresolved disputes between states would inevitably lead to violence—making a strong federal authority essential to peace. But the logic that consolidates power to prevent conflict also reshapes how force is justified, centralized, and normalized. This essay examines where prevention ends and permission begins, and why that line still matters today.
In Federalist No. 6, Alexander Hamilton argues that separate American states would eventually clash out of rivalry, ambition, and economic competition — making the Constitution essential to preserving peace.
In Federalist No. 5, John Jay warns that separate American confederacies would drift toward rivalry and conflict — making unity essential for lasting peace.
In Federalist No. 4, John Jay explains that foreign nations are less likely to challenge a strong, unified America — making unity essential to preserving peace.
John Jay argues that a strong national government is essential for preventing conflict and protecting America’s peace — a truth that remains relevant in an interconnected world.
John Jay argues that America’s survival depends on national unity — a truth that remains as essential in the 21st century as it was in the founding era.
Hamilton warns that the nation must choose whether it will be shaped by reasoned choice or by accident and force — a question that continues to define American democracy.
Before the Constitution could be written, America had to answer a single question: can a nation govern itself by reason — or will it fall to accident and force?
The Tenth Amendment defines how power is divided in the United States, reserving undelegated authority to the states or the people. As federal and state responsibilities evolve, the amendment remains central to debates over governance, rights, and constitutional structure.
The Eighth Amendment protects against excessive fines, excessive bail, and “cruel and unusual punishments.” In a nation still debating what compassion means, the amendment remains one of the Constitution’s most important moral boundaries.
The Humane Herald 