 Alexander Hamilton, author of Federalist No. 24 | |
| Author | Alexander Hamilton |
|---|---|
| Original title | The Powers Necessary to the Common Defense Further Considered |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Federalist |
| Publisher | The Independent Journal |
Publication date | December 19, 1787 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Newspaper |
| Preceded by | Federalist No. 23 |
| Followed by | Federalist No. 25 |
| Text | Federalist No. 24 at Wikisource |
Federalist No. 24, titled "The Powers Necessary to the Common Defense Further Considered", is a political essay written by Alexander Hamilton and the twenty-fourth of The Federalist Papers. It was first published in New York newspapers on December 19, 1787, under the pseudonym Publius, the name under which all The Federalist Papers were published. It is one of two essays by Hamilton arguing in favor of a national standing army during peacetime, along with Federalist No. 25.
Federalist No. 24 challenged those who wish to prohibit a standing army in peacetime, arguing that its formation is essential for the security of the nation while concerns about its existence are exaggerated. Hamilton explained that provisions against the creation of a standing army did not exist in both the Articles of Confederation and most state constitutions, and he warned of potential threats that would necessitate a standing army. Federalist No. 24 was written at a time in which standing armies were viewed with skepticism, but such an army has come to be expected in the United States since Hamilton's time.