The aftermath of the Revolutionary War left colonists with a crippled economy and a central government that “lacked the power to tax and depended on the contributions from the states for its expenditures” (Loubert, Aart. "Sovereign Debt Threatens The Union: The Genesis Of A Federation.").
The weak Articles of Confederations called upon the political elite to meet and delegate over a change to the Articles toward better unity between the states. Three political greats from each state, excluding
Rhode Island, were elected to attend the Constitutional Convention held in secrecy during the month of
May, 1787. Among the three delegates chosen from New York was Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton’s indepth involvement in the revolution, intellect, and his proficiency in political economics, without question, ranks Hamilton amongst the political elite during the Revolutionary period.
Hamilton’s military career forged his views on liberty, allegiance, and pride. As quick as he picked up his first musket, Hamilton rose through the ranks landing himself a position as one of George
Washington’s aides. It was here Hamilton’s character caught the eye of General Washington. As
Washington’s right hand man, it was Hamilton’s time to shine. Hamilton’s collective military mindfulness and rooted intellect were morphed and put to use. “Hamilton already showed a solid grasp of military strategy. As he surveyed the British forces that summer, he hazarded several predictions that later sounded clairvoyant” (Chernow 98). Hamilton began receiving prestigious assignments and orders in which he carried out with confidence. With his involvement Hamilton sought to change the ways of the political system.
“For Hamilton, the law arose as the shortest route to political powerthe profession claimed thirtyfour delegates at the Constitutional Conventionand it would enable him to make a tolerable,even lucrative living” (Chernow 168). During his law studies and even throughout his law
career Hamilton often steered clear of the favored legislative and judicial policies that were already being adopted. He disdained “the whole jerrybuilt structure” (Chernow 168) and with James Madison by his side, Hamilton zeroed in on the financial deadlock.
Structured from the Articles of Confederation, Congress held no federal power over the taxation of the states. The changes to the Articles of Confederation later turned into an adoption of a new U.S. Constitution which Hamilton favored ratification. During the period of ratifying the
Constitution, Hamilton was one of many contributors to a series of essays called the Federalist Papers, which in turn helped overturn New York’s Anti Federalist position on the new Constitution. This series of essays laid out the core beliefs of the Federalists and argued that a federalized government was best political system the states could place faith in. In Federalist No. 22, Hamilton wrote, “It