Question

Use the passage below to answer the following question.

“That unity is conducive to energy will not be disputed. Decision, activity, secrecy, and despatch will generally characterize the proceedings of one man in a much more eminent degree than the proceedings of any greater number; and in proportion as the number is increased, these qualities will be diminished . . .”
-Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 70, “The Executive Department Further Considered,” 1788
Which of the following statements best summarizes Hamilton’s argument?

A: Three people should run the executive branch because it is too much power for one person to hold

B: One person should run the executive branch because they will be able to act swiftly, decisively, and discreetly, which is necessary for the presidency

C: One person should run the executive branch because it will be too complicated for Congress if they have to negotiate with multiple people

D: Three people should run the executive branch because its power to negotiate treaties with other countries should be distributed to multiple people

Answer 1

Alexander Hamilton advocated for a single executive in Federalist No. 70, emphasizing the advantages of decision-making speed, secrecy, and efficiency, which led to the argument that one person should lead the executive branch.

Step-by-step explanation:

Alexander Hamilton's argument in Federalist No. 70 supports the idea that having a single executive is beneficial due to the decisiveness, efficiency, and capability for swift action associated with a unified leadership. The best summary of Hamilton's viewpoint is that one person should run the executive branch because they can act with decision, activity, secrecy, and dispatch, which are seen as necessary qualities for effective governance. Hamilton believed that a larger group would only serve to dilute these advantages. Thus, the correct answer to the student's question regarding Hamilton's preference for the structure of the executive branch is B: One person should run the executive branch because they will be able to act swiftly, decisively, and discreetly, which is necessary for the presidency.