"Why has government been instituted at all? Because the passions of man will not conform to the dictates of reason and justice without constraint"

In this quote, Alexander Hamilton is questioning the necessity of federal government and its function. He suggests that government exists due to the fact that human beings are not always able to manage their emotions and act in a rational and simply manner. Without some kind of control or constraint, people might act on their passions and disregard reason and justice. For that reason, government is required to impose laws and regulations that will direct and limit the actions of people, making sure that society functions in a reasonable and organized way. Hamilton's words highlight the fundamental defects in human nature and the requirement for a governing body to maintain order and uphold the concepts of factor and justice.