What was Alexander Hamilton's main concern regarding liberty?

Alexander Hamilton's primary concern regarding liberty centered on the fear of mobocracy, which refers to the potential for majority factions to undermine governmental authority and individual rights. He believed that unchecked popular movements might lead to chaos and tyranny by the majority, effectively stripping away the liberties of the minority. This apprehension stemmed from his interpretation of historical events, particularly the violence and instability witnessed during the American Revolution and the subsequent political upheaval.

Hamilton advocated for a strong central government as a means to maintain order and protect individual liberties from the capriciousness of the masses. He contended that a robust federal structure would help to mitigate the risks associated with direct popular influence, which he feared could devolve into mob rule. This perspective informed his contributions to the Federalist Papers, where he argued for a carefully balanced government that could safeguard freedoms while preventing the domination of any single faction over another.

In contrast, while concerns about excessive centralized power, foreign powers, or agrarian states were present in Hamilton's overall philosophy, they were not as central to his views on liberty as his fear of mobocracy. His vision prioritized a stable government that could uphold the rule of law against the threats posed by uninhibited populism, ultimately reflecting his belief in a structured, representative