Read the passage from Federalist, no. 1, by Alexander Hamilton.Among the most formidable [tremendous] of the obstacles which the new Constitution will have to encounter may readily be distinguished the obvious interest of a certain class of men in every State to resist all changes which may hazard a diminution [reduction] of the power, emolument [salary], and consequence of the offices they hold under the State establishments.–Federalist, no. 1, Alexander Hamilton
Answer
A
concern over potential abuses of power by state officials
B
concern over the spread of business and commerce
C
concern over members of Congress having too much power
D
concern over the removal of a list of individual rights
Explanation
Hamilton says state officials may resist the Constitution because it could reduce their power, pay, or importance. This points to concern about state officials protecting their own interests and power, which is best captured by “concern over potential abuses of power by state officials.” The passage does not focus on commerce, Congress’s power, or a list of individual rights.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.