Federalist position on congressional representation –alexander hamilton
source: speech by alexander hamilton, a federalist, given on june 21, 1788 it has been farther, by the gentlemen in opposition [antifederalists], observed, that a large representation is necessary to understand the interests of the people. this principle is by no means true in the extent to which the gentleman seems to carry it. i would ask, why may not a man understand the interests of thirty [thousand] as well as of twenty? it is a harsh doctrine, that men grow wicked in proportion as they improve and enlighten their minds. experience has by no means justified us in the supposition, that there is more virtue in one class of men than in another. look through the rich and the poor of the community; the learned and the ignorant. where does virtue predominate? the difference indeed consists, not in the quantity but kind of vices, which are incident to the various classes; and here the advantage of character belongs to the wealthy. their vices are probably more favorable to the prosperity of the state, than those of the indigent; and partake less of moral depravity.
question:
1. what type of congressional representation did the federalists favor? why?