The nation could not survive if there were huge differences between rich and poor. This raised further issues and questions about the incompetence of slavery with a republican government, which went against its quest to promote virtue. Furthermore, they wanted a national government so that it could assume authority and implement laws through military or judicial powers that protected the nation. For example, they wanted to regain or preserve the right of free navigation on the Mississippi River. The Federalist illustrates that their liberty is called into question when Hamilton writes, “Have we a natural right, and are united to a free share in the navigation of the Mississippi? Spain excludes us