Order Description
There appears to be a conflict in the Federalist between the need for œfit characters and the view of human nature expressed by Hamilton, who in Federalist 6, expresses a strongly pessimistic view about human beings. Arguing in the context concerning the dangers of war between members of a confederacy Hamilton notes: œmen are ambitious, vindictive, and rapacious. If Hamilton is correct is his assumption about the character of human beings, is it possible to reconcile this pessimistic view with the more positive notion that virtuous statesmen are necessary in order for the political system to function at its best? You should consider Madison’s views in Federalist 51 as part of your response.
