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Alexander Hamilton and The Farmer Refuted
Alexander Hamilton was but nineteen years old when he hit the political stage. Quick to offer an opinion, Hamilton’s response to critics were published in the papers.
In February of 1775, in his second essay which he titled, The Farmer Refuted, he wrote in response of his ideas of Natural Rights. It was an idea based on his faith in “the existence of an intelligent superintending principle, who is governor, and will be the final judge of the universe.”
He then goes on to define what he calls the law of nature:
“Which, being coeval with mankind, and dictated by God himself, is, of course, superior in obligation to any other. It is binding over all the globe, in all countries, and at all times. No human laws are of any validity, if contrary to this; and such of them as are valid, derive all their authority, mediately, or immediately, from this original.”
His influence at the time found its way into the Constitution when you look at these two statements side by side:
“Hence, in a state of nature, no man had any moral power to deprive another of his life, limbs, property or liberty; nor the least authority to command, or exact obedience from him.”
And the opening lines of the Constitution:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
Furthermore, Hamilton states that “the principal aim of society is to protect individuals, in the enjoyment of those absolute rights, which were vested in them by the immutable laws of nature; but which could not be preserved, in peace, without that mutual assistance, and intercourse, which is gained by the institution of friendly and social communities. Hence it follows, that the first and primary end of human laws, is to maintain and regulate these absolute rights of individuals.”
Which, is the very reason for the passing of the Constitution. If the principal aim of society is to protect individuals, then the Constitution fulfills that role. It protects individuals from an over-reaching government.
So, it is easy to see that Alexander Hamilton had authority and influence in the construction of the Constitution. His patriotism is celebrated in many ways, as well as his intellect in works such as The Federalist Papers, in which his arguments for America, and its founding, can further be studied.
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