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The great leading objects of the federal government, in which revenue is concerned, are to maintain domestic peace, and provide for the common defense.
Alexander Hamilton
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The federal government primarily aims to ensure peace and security for its citizens.

In this quote, Alexander Hamilton emphasizes the fundamental responsibilities of the federal government with regard to financial matters. He argues that the main purposes of generating revenue and managing finances should be to maintain internal order and to ensure that the nation is well-protected against external threats. This reflects the essential role of government in safeguarding its citizens and promoting a stable society.

Themes

GovernmentPeaceDefenseRevenueSecurity

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about national policy, one might say, 'As Hamilton noted, the primary role of our federal government is to maintain domestic peace and ensure our national defense.'

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When men, engaged in unjustifiable pursuits, are aware that obstructions may come from a quarter which bare apprehension of opposition from doing what they would with eagerness rush into if no such external impediments were to be feared.
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The true principle of a republic is that the people should choose whom they please to govern them. Representation is imperfect, in proportion as the current of popular favor is checked. The great source of free government, popular election, should be perfectly pure, and the most unbounded liberty allowed.
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