Home > West's Encyclopedia of American Law > Hamilton, Alexander

Alexander Hamilton, as a lawyer, politician, and statesman, left an enduring impression on U.S. government. His birth was humble, his death tragic. His professional life was spent forming basic political and economic institutions for a stronger nation. As a New York delegate at the Constitutional Convention, Hamilton advocated certain powers for the central government. His principles led to his rise as chief spokesperson for the FEDERALIST PARTY. The party had a short life span, but Hamilton's beliefs carried on through his famous FEDERALIST PAPERS. In these documents he advocated broad constitutional powers for the federal government, including national defense and finance. According to Hamilton, a lesser degree of individual human liberties and CIVIL RIGHTS would follow federal powers. His...