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Justice is the end of government. It is the end of civil society. It ever has been and ever will be pursued until it be obtained, or until liberty be lost in the pursuit. In a society under the forms of which the stronger faction can readily unite and oppress the weaker, anarchy may as truly be said to reign as in a state of nature, where the weaker individual is not secured against the violence of the stronger; and as, in the latter state, even the individuals are prompted, by the uncertainty of their condition, to submit to a government which may protect the weak as well as themselves; so, in the former state, will the more powerful factions or parties be gradually induced, by a like motive to wish for a government which will protect all parties, the weaker as well as the more powerful.

Alexander Hamilton#51

PoliticsJusticeSocietyOrderTyranny

About this quote

What does it mean?
Justice is the primary goal of government; without it, society devolves into tyranny where the strong oppress the weak.
In plain terms
Government exists to keep justice; without it, power rules instead of law.
What can you take from it?
Governments must protect the weak to prevent anarchy and tyranny.

Where it applies

  • legal systems
  • constitutional design
  • civil unrest

Putting it to work

  • protecting minorities
  • balancing factional power

Questions to consider

  • What limits should exist for state power in the name of justice?
  • How do you protect the weak without creating tyranny?

Another view

Seeking absolute justice can sometimes restrict individual liberties in practice.

More from Alexander Hamilton

  1. It's not tyranny we desire; it's a just, limited, federal government,

    Permalink to quote #50
  2. Learn to think continentally.

    Permalink to quote #52
  3. It will be of little avail to the people that the laws are made by men of their own choice if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoher…

    Permalink to quote #49

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