Antiwar Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“Can any reasonable man be well disposed toward a government which makes war and carnage the only means of supporting itself?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Federalist Papers, 1787
A government that relies on war for survival contradicts the principles of a just and peaceful society.
In simple terms: War‑driven governments betray peace.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for peaceful governance.
Themes
politics
ethics
war
peace
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- citizen activism
- education
- international relations
Key Concepts
social contract
state legitimacy
moral responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- Is war ever justified for a government?
- What alternatives exist for national security?
A Different Perspective
War can be argued as necessary for defense.
![“[W]ar is a question, under our constitution, not of Executive, but of Legislative cognizance. It belongs to Congress to say whether the Nation shall of choice dismiss the olive branch and unfurl the banners of War.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd8/alexander-hamilton-619_banner_w-ar-is-a-question-under-our-constitutio_33383.jpg)
![“It is one thing to be subordinate to the laws, and another [for the Executive] to be dependent on the legislative body. The first comports with, the last violates, the fundamental principles of good government; and, whatever may be the forms of the Constitution, unites all power in the same hands.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be4/alexander-hamilton-619_body_it-is-one-thing-to-be-subordinate-to-the_129196.jpg)
