Federalist No. II Study Notes

Federalist No. II - Overview

  • Written by John Jay

  • Published in the New York Independent Journal on October 31, 1787

  • Directed to the People of the State of New-York

The Necessity of Government

  • Emphasizes the indispensable necessity of government.

  • It is undeniable that people must cede some natural rights to government to grant it needed powers.

National vs. Separate Confederacies

  • Core question: Should America be one nation under a federal government, or separate confederacies?

  • Historically, it was believed that the prosperity of America depended on unity.

  • Recently, new politicians argue for division into distinct confederacies or sovereignties.

Reaction to Changing Opinions

  • John Jay highlights the potential dangers in adopting new political ideas without scrutiny.

  • He recalls the previous consensus on the urgent need for unity, especially during times of crisis.

America’s Geographical Unity

  • Observes America as a connected and fertile land blessed by Providence.

  • Features include:

    • A succession of navigable waters that create a chain around the country.

    • Major rivers provide highways for communication and transportation.

Cultural and Political Unity

  • The essay states the common heritage of the American people:

    • Share the same language, religion, principles of government, and customs.

    • They fought together for liberty and independence.

Unity in Governance

  • The country has historically functioned as a single entity:

    • Engaged in war and peace, formed alliances, treaties, and conventions as a united nation.

  • The Fœderal Government was established early on to preserve unity and was essential to the safety and happiness of the people.

  • The original government was seen as deficient, leading to the Philadelphia Convention.

The Philadelphia Convention

  • Members were respected and distinguished patriots who spent considerable time deliberating.

  • They produced a plan for a more effective national government.

  • This plan is recommended, not imposed, and should be assessed with careful consideration.

Historical Context of Public Sentiment

  • Reflects on the effect of the Congress of 1774 which advised on measures to unite the colonies, leading to successful outcomes.

  • Skepticism arose, with various interests attempting to undermine this advice, though the majority supported it.

Trust in Government

  • The public initially trusted Congress members who had proven wisdom and integrity.

  • Jay argues that greater trust should be afforded to the Convention based on the members' reputations and experience.

Call to Reflect on Union Importance

  • Jay questions attempts to diminish the importance of union during such a critical period, emphasizing the risks associated with multiple confederacies.

  • Expresses hope that citizens will recognize the necessity of maintaining the Union to avert disaster.

Conclusion

  • A somber warning that the dissolution of the Union would lead to a loss of greatness for America, paralleling poetry expressing loss.

Additional Citations

  • Cited from:

    • John P. Kaminski et al. (1981), The Documentary History of the Ratification of the Constitution, Vol. XIII: Commentaries on the Constitution, Public and Private, Madison, Wis.: Wisconsin Historical Society Press, 517–20.