Consent Quote by Alexander Hamilton
““The causes which have been specified produced at first only unequal and disproportionate degrees of compliance with the requisitions of the Union. The greater deficiencies of some States furnished the pretext of example and the temptation of interest to the complying, or to the least delinquent States. Why should we do more in proportion than those who are embarked with us in the same political voyage? Why should we consent to bear more than our proper share of the common burden? These were suggestions which human selfishness could not withstand, and which even speculative men, who looked forward to remote consequences, could not, without hesitation, combat. Each State, yielding to the persuasive voice of immediate interest or convenience, has successively withdrawn its support, till the frail and tottering edifice seems ready to fall upon our heads, and to crush us beneath its ruins.””
About This Quote
Source Document: The Federalist Papers, No. 15, 1787
Hamilton argues that unequal contributions and selfishness threaten the union, urging fair sharing of burdens.
In simple terms: Unfair sharing weakens cooperation.
Key Takeaway
Promote equitable responsibility.
Themes
politics
cooperation
fairness
leadership
Mood
concerned
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government budgeting
- interstate agreements
- public policy debates
Key Concepts
social contract
collective action
self-interest
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we incentivize fair contribution?
- What mechanisms ensure shared burden?
A Different Perspective
Assumes rational actors will accept fairness.
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