 Alexander Hamilton, author of Federalist No. 6 | |
| Author | Alexander Hamilton |
|---|---|
| Original title | Concerning Dangers from Dissensions Between the States |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Federalist |
| Publisher | The Independent Journal |
Publication date | November 14, 1787 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Newspaper |
| Preceded by | Federalist No. 5 |
| Followed by | Federalist No. 7 |
| Text | Federalist No. 6 at Wikisource |
Federalist No. 6, titled "Concerning Dangers from Dissensions Between the States", is a political essay written by Alexander Hamilton and the sixth of The Federalist Papers. It was first published in the Independent Journal on November 14, 1787, under the pseudonym Publius, the name under which all The Federalist Papers were published. It is one of two essays by Hamilton advocating political union to prevent the states from going to war with one another. This argument is continued in Federalist No. 7.
Federalist No. 6 argues that nations are predisposed to wage war against their neighbors as a natural effect of human nature. Hamilton counters the belief that republicanism and commerce prevent war by arguing that the leaders and citizens of a nation will act through passion over reason. The essay demonstrates Hamilton's opposition to direct democracy and his support for mercantilism. Federalist No. 6 makes extensive use of historical and contemporary examples, including particular focus on the Athenian statesman Pericles.