Final answer:
Alexander Hamilton in Federalist No. 78 described the judiciary as lacking the power of the "sword" (military and law enforcement) and the power of the "purse" (control over national finances), distinguishing its role as only having the capacity to issue judgments without force or fiscal influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Federalist No. 78, Alexander Hamilton discusses the powers of the judicial branch in contrast to the legislative and executive branches. When Hamilton refers to the power of the "sword," he is talking about the power of the executive branch to enforce laws and command the military.
On the other hand, the power of the "purse" refers to the legislative branch's authority to control the national budget and government spending.
Hamilton emphasized that the judiciary would be the least dangerous branch because it had neither the force of the sword nor the influence over the budget through the purse, thus having only the power to render judgment.