"...One great objt. of Govt. is personal protection...."

“This government has for its object public strength and individual security. . . . .Nothing but a permanent body can check the imprudence of democracy. . . . .The weak side of a republican government is the danger of foreign influence. This is unavoidable, unless it is so constructed as to bring forward its first characters in its support. I am therefore for a general government, yet would wish to go the full length of republican principles. . . . . Federal is an association of distinct Govts: into one--these fed. Govts. in some instances legislate on collective bodies, in others on individuals . . . . .Our powers have this object-the Freedom & Happiness of our Country--we must go all lengths to accomplish this Object--if the Legislatures have no powers to ratify because thereby they diminish their own Sovereignty the people may come in on revolution Principles--We have power, Upon the plan of the separation & independence of the States, you incourage those Habits, and opinions, that Esprit de Corps which is peculiar to the State and to every individual. These habits prefer their own State to those of the Genl. or fed. Govt.-- this has been the case, State Debts, State Crs. have always stood before the fedl. Debt or Cr.--Man loves power--State Magistrates will desire to increase yr. own power at the Expense of the Genl. or fed. Govt.

One great objt. of Govt. is personal protection and the security of Property....”

- Alexander Hamilton, June 19-20, 1787. The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 [Farrand's Records, Volume 1]