A single Union of the 13 states was the remedy to internal aggression among the States and a unified front against all foreign agitators. By creating a federal government over the 13 States, uniformity of defense for all parts could be provided and internal aggression could be mitigated. No other construct, outside a Union of the 13 States, could provide as much long-term security to the people of America.

“But the safety of the people of America against dangers from foreign force depends not only on their forbearing to give just causes of war to other nations, but also on their placing and continuing themselves in such a situation as not to invite hostility or insult.” For John Jay, even outside the just causes for war, human history was littered with wars waged at the whims of men with consolidated power.

“A cordial Union, under an efficient national government, affords them the best security that can be devised against hostilities from abroad.” In an attempt to illustrate the value of a central national government, Jay first discusses the matter of safety of the citizens of the States.

“Nothing is more certain than the indispensable necessity of government, and it is equally undeniable, that whenever and however it is instituted, the people must cede to it some of their natural rights in order to vest it with the requisite powers.”