Alexander Hamilton: Federalist 84

( 1788 ) Commentary by Michael J. O'Neal, Ph.D.

“I go further, and affirm that bills of rights, in the sense and to the extent in which they are contended for, are not only unnecessary in the proposed Constitution, but would even be dangerous. They would contain various exceptions to powers not granted; and, on this very account, would afford a colorable pretext to claim more than were granted.” - Federalist 84
“The truth is, after all the declamations we have heard, that the Constitution is itself, in every rational sense, and to every useful purpose, a bill of rights.” - Federalist 84

Alexander Hamilton (Library of Congress)

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