Question

What did Hamilton imply were the weaknesses of the present system of government under the Articles of Confederation?

Answer 1

Alexander Hamilton’s thoughts about the proposed Constitution for the United States, September 1787:

The new Constitution has in favour of its success these circumstances—A very great weight of influence of the persons who framed it, particularly in the universal popularity of General Washington.—The good will of the commercial interests throughout the states, which will give all its efforts to the establishment of a government capable of regulating, protecting, and extending the commerce of the Union—The good-will of most men of property in the several States, who wish a government of the Union able to protect them against domestic violence, and the depredations [looting] which the democratic spirit is apt to make on property, and who are besides anxious for the respectability of the nation. The hopes of the creditors of the United States, that a general government possessing the means of doing it, will pay the debt of the Union. A strong belief in the people at large of the insufficiency of the present Confederation to preserve the existence of the Union, and of the necessity of the Union to their safety and prosperity; of course, a strong desire of a change, and a predisposition to receive well the propositions of the [Constitutional] convention. . . .

But the causes operating against its adoption are powerful, and there will be nothing astonishing in the contrary.

If it [the Constitution] do not finally obtain, it is probable the discussion of the question will beget such struggles, animosities, and heats in the community, that this circumstance conspiring with the real necessity of an essential change in our present situation, will produce civil war. Should this happen, whatever parties prevail, it is probable governments very different from the present in their principles will be established. A dismemberment of the Union, and monarchies in different portions of it, may be expected. It may, however, happen that no civil war will take place, but several republican confederacies be established between different combinations of the particular States.