The Federalist Papers · Federalist No. 39 · paragraph 9

Without inquiring into the accuracy of the distinction on which the objection is founded, it will be necessary to a just estimate of its force, first, to ascertain the real character of the government in question; secondly, to inquire how far the convention were authorized to propose such a government; and thirdly, how far the duty they owed to their country could supply any defect of regular authority.

Publius · Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, James Madison · 1787–1788
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