Causes Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“[I]n framing a Government for a nation we ought, in those provisions which are designed to be permanent, to calculate not on temporary, but on permanent causes of expence.”
About This Quote
Source The: Federalist Papers, No. 15, 1787
Hamilton argues that government budgeting should focus on long‑term costs rather than temporary expenses.
In simple terms: Plan for permanent spending, not just short‑term needs.
Prioritize sustainable fiscal policies.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- national budgeting
- infrastructure projects
- social welfare programs
- tax policy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can governments better anticipate permanent expenses?
- What mechanisms ensure fiscal sustainability?
Short‑term fixes ignore deeper financial obligations.