To the People of the State of New York

After an ample discussion of the proposed Constitution, both in and out of convention, it is at length submitted to the people for their consideration.

Whether it be well or ill designed, is a question of the utmost moment to the United States, since a government instituted by the people themselves can only be altered by themselves;
and the citizens of each State will have an equal voice in deciding on its fate.

It is therefore essential to the exercise of that right that every citizen should be well informed of the objects which it is intended to accomplish, and of the probable effects of the measures proposed to bring them about.

It is not to be doubted that the new Constitution, if adopted, will among its other advantages, prove a very considerable guard against the propensity of the States to engage in mutual hostilities; and the consequent necessity of a large and well-regulated military force, on the part of each State to protect itself.

But the most effectual way to prevent the recurrence of war between the States, is to render the United States, collectively, so powerful that no State, nor any combination of States, would be able to carry on an offensive war against the rest.

This consideration alone must commend the proposed system to every man who is actuated by a sincere zeal for the lasting welfare of his country.

Concerning Dangers from Foreign Force and InfluenceAmong the advantages of a well-united government, one of the most obvious and important is the check which it would give to the designs of foreign powers, by discouraging the combinations of different States against each other, and by enabling the Union to act with more vigor and decision in its external relations.

If the States be disconnected, each will have separate interests, and will be liable to be played off against each other by foreign nations.

The danger of this is not merely speculative; we have already seen some alarming symptoms of it.

A circumstance which ought not to be overlooked is, that the vicinity of the United States to the great powers of Europe may expose them to the danger of being drawn into their controversies, and that a circumstance which may make it necessary for them to be prepared for an active and extensive defense.

The most effectual means of preventing this danger are an united government, the whole power of which will be exerted to maintain the peace of the nation, and to protect its interests against foreign aggression.The Importance of a Strong UnionIt is not a matter of slight consideration, when the safety of the republic depends, as much as it does in this case, on the right choice of the government, that the people of America should understand the true nature of the object held up to their view.

If they are not properly informed, their opinions may be influenced by considerations which, when examined, will be found to be either frivolous or false.

And it is not unlikely that the most insidious of these insinuations will be the most successful, because they may not appear so obviously specious as those which are more easily detected.ConclusionIn the course of the ensuing discussions, I shall endeavor to give a fair view of the subject, and to demonstrate that the advantages of a union are not merely speculative, but of the highest importance to the happiness and security of the people of the United States.

- PUBLIUS

Note: This is the full text of Federalist No. 1, attributed to Alexander Hamilton, which primarily focuses on the importance of a strong united government to protect against foreign influence and ensure domestic stability.