We Still Hold These Truths

Foreword By William J. Bennett

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Alexander Hamilton - This mode of reasoning appears some

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Alexander Hamilton The Federalist Papers Federalist No. 31

Categories: Federalism

Date: January 1, 1788

This mode of reasoning appears some times to turn upon the supposition of usurpation in the national government . . . . The moment we launch into conjectures about the usurpations of the federal government, we get into an unfathomable abyss, and fairly put ourselves out of the reach of all reasoning. Imagination may range at pleasure until it gets bewildered amidst the labyrinths of an enchanted castle . . . it is easy to imagine an endless train of possible dangers; and by indulging an excess of jealousy and timidity, we may bring ourselves to a state of absolute skepticism and irresolution . . . all observations founded upon the danger of usurpation, ought to be referred to the composition and structure of the government, not to the nature or extent of its powers.

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