The local interest of a State ought in every case to give way to the interests of the Union. For when a sacrifice of one or the other is necessary, the former becomes only an apparent, partial interest, and should yield, on the principle that the smaller good ought never to oppose the greater good.
Interpretation
The interests of a state should always take a backseat to the interests of the entire union.
In this quote, Alexander Hamilton emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the collective interests of the nation over those of individual states. He argues that when a choice must be made between the two, the broader, more significant good of the union should prevail, as local interests are often limited and temporary in comparison to the lasting benefits of unity.
In practice
In a debate about state policies, one might quote Hamilton to argue for a federal standard.
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.
The tendency of a national bank is to increase public and private credit. The former gives power to the state, for the protection of its rights and interests: and the latter facilitates and extends the operations of commerce among individuals. Industry is increased, commodities are multiplied, agriculture and manufacturers flourish: and herein consists the true wealth and prosperity of a state.
It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government.
The Achaeans soon experienced, as often happens, that a victorious and powerful ally is but another name for a master.
The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge right or make good decision.
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.
War expands government powers. The trouble is that, when the war goes away, the government powers do not.
One of the greatest casualties of the war in Vietnam is the Great Society... shot down on the battlefield of Vietnam.
To avoid the necessity of a permanent debt and its inevitable consequences, I have advocated and endeavored to carry into effect the policy of confining the appropriations for the public service to such objects only as are clearly with the constitutional authority of the Federal Government.
I am not aware how you succeed politically when you insult women, who far more than men consistently provide you with great margins of support.
Where free unions and collective bargaining are forbidden, freedom is lost.
Above all else, we need a reaffirmation of political commitment at the highest levels to reducing the dangers that arise both from existing nuclear weapons and from further proliferation.
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