The adversaries to the plan of the convention, instead of considering in the first place what degree of power was
absolutely necessary for the purposes of the federal
government, have exhausted themselves in a secondary
inquiry into the possible consequences of the proposed
degree of power to the governments of the particular
States. But if the Union, as has been shown, be essential to
the security of the people of America against foreign
danger; if it be essential to their security against
contentions and wars among the different States; if it be
essential to guard them against those violent and
oppressive factions which embitter the blessings of liberty,
and against those military establishments which must
gradually poison its very fountain; if, in a word, the Union
be essential to the happiness of the people of America, is
it not preposterous, to urge as an objection to a
government, without which the objects of the Union cannot
be attained, that such a government may derogate from
the importance of the governments of the individual
States?
What important Federalist idea is expressed in this excerpt from the
Federalist Papers?
A. The federal government is more essential than state governments.
B. A strong centralized government would detract from the rights of
states.
C. The Constitution will not be complete without a bill of rights.