The Federalist Papers and the Birth of a Nation
argumentative Essay
1261 words
The American Revolution will always be a source of nationalistic pride for Americans. It represented the era where the freedoms and liberty of the common man fought against tyranny and an oppressive government. What many people overlook is the five year period which defined what the new country would become politically and socially. As the framework for the Constitution was being debated, these factors played a role in how the Federalists saw the future of the fledgling country. Through examining the Federalist papers and comparing their ideology with the Constitution born of it, it is clear that the Constitution created and safeguarded the rights of citizens while maintaining an informal class system. The system of established individual rights is most commonly thought of in the form of the Bill of Rights, which accompanies and amends the Constitution to defend certain explicit rights of the people the document neglected to specify. As many of the elite men of the time had done, the Founding Fathers were students of the Enlightenment and the period of personal liberties that had grown out of these idealists. The inherent rights of man brought about by men like Locke were that of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”. The Federalists addressed these items in paper number 84 which is one of the clearest indicators of the beliefs in the new multi-layered system could be a free one. As believers in that ethos of government, the Federalists fought against the Bill of Rights in what they saw as something that could be used to limit rights rather than granting them more freedoms. As Hamilton points out that the Citizens of the country “do ordain and establish this Constitution” as a “recognition of popular rights” (Hamilton 5... ... middle of paper ... ...ility to expand and not limit the rights of the people to what was expressed in the Bill of Rights and sought to make a more universal impact on the freedom in society. They also wanted to create a social structure that would be balance with the power vested in the positions of authority so that society could be stratified but not dominated. Having 500 years of British constitutional history to draw upon, the Federalists were able to create a charter that took the functional elements of British democracy and create a society with more opportunity for freedom and advancement. Based on these points it is clear that the Constitution was an instrument that both preserved individual liberty and maintained social order. Works Cited Hamilton, Alexander, James Madison, John Jay, and Clinton Rossiter. The Federalist Papers (Signet Classics). New York: Signet Classics, 2003.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the american revolution was a source of nationalistic pride for americans. it represented the era where the freedoms and liberty of the common man fought against tyranny and oppressive government.
- Explains that the constitution was an instrument that created and allowed personal liberties to be maintained in a new system.
- Analyzes how a layered system shows that there are still divisions amongst both the few and the many.
- Compares the american constitution to the british constitution, which had a bicameral legislation and judicial system. the american system is more flexible and allows for freedoms to grow without the need for armed uprising
- Explains that the constitution was an instrument that both preserved individual liberty and maintained social order.
Related
- analytical
- argumentative
- explanatory
- The Progression From The Articles of Confederation to The Constitution As a Result of Anti-Federalist, and Federalist Debateanalytical essayLooking back in history (1781-1787) at the debate over ratification of the Constitution we can see that the making of the constitution was a long drawn out battle between the federalists and the Anti-Federalists. There were concerns as to the inherent weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, such as the lack of action during Shay’s Rebellion, the issue over taxation, as well as the problematic consensus required by all states to change any one of the Articles. There was a fear that if given too much power the executive leader would become like the king they had just fought a revolution to free themselves from. This fear of giving too much power to a centralized government was what made the Articles so weak. The purpose of this paper is to examine the two sides of the debate of constitutional ratification, The Federalists (and the Federalist papers) as well as the Anti-Federalists (and the Anti-Federalist Papers) and look at their influence on the Constitution. By comparing the essentials of The Constitution as well as The Articles of Confederation we will be able to see the differences between the two. These differences will show us not only the weaknesses of the Articles but the strength of the new constitution. A second objective, where possible make what “if” statements as to what would have happened if the Articles were not replaced, and the Constitution was not written.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the making of the constitution was a long drawn out battle between the federalists and the anti-federalists.
- Explains the political consensus to work together as a collection, rather than as individual states, was agreed on after the american revolution.
- Explains that the 13 issues addressed in the articles are of great value to understand before we look at the two sides.
- Explains that the constitution was a combination of two plans, the connecticut compromise, and the new jersey plan.
- Explains the compromises that were admitted into the constitution and was necessary from the articles.
- Analyzes hamilton's argument that congress had no power to collect taxes, compared to the ottoman or turkish empire.
- Explains that the articles did not allow for a centralized government that could act in time of crisis. shay's rebellion was an example of this.
- Opines that the articles allowed congress to declare war and raise funds, but they could not conscript, draft, or in any way force individuals to fight in the army.
- Opines that the federalist side was the driving force that moved these events forwards, but the anti-federalists were the ones that won the debate.
- Explains that the anti-federalists were opposed to a stronger federal government because it took power away from states and local leaders and gave most of the power to federal governments.
- Explains that the federalists are the driving force for the ratification of the constitution. they based their ideas on federalism.
- Analyzes how the articles allowed each state more power than that of the congress assembled (sovereignty of article ii).
- Analyzes how the changes from the articles of confederation to the constitution have been for the better.
- Opines that it was crucial that the documents change during the history of the united states. the federalists made valid points about the threat of executive leadership.
- Analyzes hamilton, alexander, james madison, john jay, and clinton rossiter's the federalist papers.
3731 wordsRead More - Philosophers Of The Federalist Papersanalytical essayThe Independent Journal published the first Federalist essay in 1787, closely following the Constitutional Convention. This was one of 85 essays that were all soon published in support of the Constitution. The essays were all published under the alias name “Publius.” All essays were compiled into a single volume titled The Federalist Papers. The Federalist Papers is considered a significant illustration of American political philosophy under the Articles of Confederation, which were adopted by the Continental Congress. The Articles set up the first legislative system that unified the thirteen states that battled in the American Revolution. A major theme that was discussed in the essays centers around the idea that the United States could not continue to endure under the Articles of Confederation and the weaknesses that accompany it. The Articles gave states the authority to create their own laws, however they were unsuccessful in creating a strong government. The essay suggested that immediate action be taken to prevent the impending anarchy that would ensue under these Articles.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the independent journal published the first federalist essay in 1787, closely following the constitutional convention.
- Explains that hobbes, rousseau, montesquieu, and locke shaped and influenced the federalist. they believed in natural rights and built branches of government that would protect them.
- Explains that congress was held back by lack of power by the articles of confederation. states looking out for their own self-interests destroyed the union and argued with neighboring states over land, commerce and other regulations.
- Analyzes how each state began printing money and raised their own military. states disregarded the national government and refused to support it financially.
- Analyzes how each state created its own constitution to enforce the law, which shaped state competition and set states against one another. the articles of confederation did not specify a system that could ensure that taxes would pay off war debts.
- Analyzes how the articles state that the chief vice of the confederation rests in the principle of legislation for states or governments, in their corporate or collective capacities as contradistinguishable from the individuals of whom they consist.
- Explains that under the articles of confederation, the central government had no authority to place sanctions on states.
- Argues that the national government should have ity to enforce laws in some form.
- Analyzes publius' suggestion to create a new government that would restore the reputation of the united states.
- Explains that the negative economic and militaristic state of the country led officials to conclude that a weak central government was not the solution. alexander hamilton and james madison were the true authors of the federalist papers.
- Explains that more states became interested in these changes and decided to meet in philadelphia on may 25, 1787. the constitutional convention was held and the new plan of government called for a strong central government.
1120 wordsRead More - What Are The Weaknesses Of The Federalist Paper?argumentative essayThe United States of America had a weak central government after it gained its independence, and was on the verge of a depression. Debts which it had incurred from the American Revolutionary War sought to bring down the Union they fought so hard to establish. The Articles of Confederation had kept the federal government from enforcing policies and laws which could bring them out of this debt crisis. The weakness of the central government had prompted the Federalists to write what are known as ‘The Federalist Papers’, which detailed how the constitution must be reformed in order to save the Union. These papers eventually formed the basis of the new constitution, but they could not account for the various compromises and the rapidly changing
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the united states of america had a weak central government after it gained its independence and was on the verge of depression. the articles of confederation kept the federal government from enforcing policies and laws which could bring them out of this debt crisis.
- Explains the articles of confederation, which governed the united states of america for eight years, had issues with standardization between the states, and was ineffective at securing funds for the federal government.
- Explains that the federalist papers sought to establish power and authority in a central government by giving the government the power to impose tariffs, regulate trade, and use the state militia.
- Explains that the 3/5th compromise was a concession to the slave-holding states in the union, given to them so that they would agree to pass the new constitution.
- Compares the south's jeffersonianism with the north’s hamiltonian, which further distinction between the two regions.
- Explains that when missouri applied for statehood, tensions between the north and the south had reached a boiling point. henry clay brought about the missouri compromise of 1820.
- Explains that the united states secured land from mexico after the mexican-american war, and fulfilled their manifest destiny. the south wanted texas to be admitted into the union as a slave state. clay proposed the compromise of 1850.
- Analyzes how the compromise violated the missouri compromise's mason-dixon line with california becoming a free state, and enacted the fugitive slave act.
- Explains how the 3/5th compromise and the fugitive slave act were beneficial to the south, and bred a deep rooted hostility between the people of the north and south over several decades.
- Opines that compromises sought to preserve the nation which so many people fought and died to create, but there could never be a solution to the problem of slavery.
1396 wordsRead More - The Federalist Papers and The Hamilton Reportanalytical essayFirst I would like to welcome you to the wonderful land of America. I hope you have had fair travels from London. As I understand the situation, you are in a state of ambivalence in regards to your political affiliations; I write to you today to help you see the strength in the Federalist Party. The Federalist Party has the potential to continue aiding America in taking lengthy strides toward being a great nation. I will debrief you on the successes the Federalist Party has participated in thus far; the Federalist Papers and the Hamilton Reports.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the federalist party has the potential to continue aiding america in taking long strides toward being a great nation.
- Describes the federalist papers as 85 documents co-written by alexander hamilton, james madison, and john jay to make known the importance of having a new constitution to replace the articles of confederation.
- Explains that the federalist papers effected the ratification of the constitution by providing an in-depth analysis and clarification of constitutional provisions, such as the separation of powers and limits on the power of majorities.
- Explains that the federalist papers successfully discussed the defects of the present government (the articles of confederation) and the new constitutions’ different components of legislature, executive, and judicial branches.
- Analyzes how the federalist papers ensured both sides that the federalists had everybody's opinions in mind and made efforts to keep either side of the nation happy in an equal manner.
- Explains that the federalist papers were vital in the publication of the u.s. constitution. they established the foundations for the current us system of government.
- Explains that the hamilton reports were a victory for the federalist party. the report on public credit, the national bank, and manufactures aimed to achieve financial stability.
- Analyzes hamilton's first report, the report on public credit, which dissected the american nation fiscally and outlined perceptive recommendations that would ease the burden of national debt.
- Explains hamilton's efforts to calculate the american debt, as well as the individual state debts, and suggests funding the debt by selling government bonds and selling western lands to pay off us debt to european nations to rebuild credit.
- Explains that hamilton's second report, the report on the national bank, was established in 1791 and though jefferson and the democratic-republicans fiercely opposed him, he stayed true to his conjectures.
- Explains hamilton's third report, the report on manufactures, outlined how the government could take preventative measures to help build up american manufacturing.
- Explains how hamilton's report on manufactures was assimilated into the american system by henry clay and sir abraham lincoln.
- Explains that the northerners agreed to allow the nation's capitol – washington d.c. to be established in the south. hamilton favored the implementation of tariffs on imported goods, stimulating the growth of the american industry.
- Explains that federalists take on an interpretation of the constitution that is looser than that of anti-federalists. hamilton's national bank report was constitutionally ethical.
- Explains that alexander hamilton's reports were wildly successful in the aftermath of their publication. his platform regenerated the disordered fiscal system of the confederacy.
- Opines that the federalist party is capable of keeping america the greatest nation of our time. the ramifications of both the federalist papers and the hamilton reports have proved to aid in the ratification of the u.s. constitution.
1404 wordsRead More - The Federalist and Anti-Federalist papers played a major role in US History. They dealt with many problems in politics. The papers were made after the Revolutionary war. People started to worry that the government would not last under the Articles of Confederation. Without having a backup plan just yet, some delegates met up and created the Constitution. The constitution had to be ratified before it became the rule of all the land. The Federalist and Anti-Federalist papers discuss whether the constitution should be approved or not. Some things Anti-Federalist and Federalists argued was a strong national government, a standing army, and whether or not the constitution should be ratified and why.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes the federalist paper no. 6 and the anti-federalist papers. they argue that the legislative branch's power has no limitation because congress has unlimited power on making and carrying out laws.
- Explains that the federalist papers believe in the national government because it can understand the best of the worries that represent the whole nation.
- Explains that the federalist and anti-federalist papers played a major role in us history. they dealt with many problems in politics.
- Explains that the federalist and anti-federalist papers agree on how the president should be elected.
882 wordsRead More - Strengths And Weaknesses Of The Anti-Federalistsanalytical essayAnti-Federalists Eric Foner claims the definition of Federalism refers to the relationship between the national government and the states. Unlike the Constitution, the Articles of Confederation came with many weaknesses. Some provided by our powerpoint include that the Federal government had no power to make the states obey the Articles and laws that were passed by the legislature. The states also had the power to tax, and the opportunity to print their own money.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes foner's claim that the definition of federalism refers to the relationship between the national government and the states.
- Analyzes how the federalists trusted that the constitution was capable of fixing the country's problems, while the anti-federalists did not agree.
- Explains that the three-fifths compromise was a constitutional agreement that did not allow the national government to meddle with slavery in the states.
- Analyzes how foner gives great detail on the federalist group. he states that each state had an election for representatives to a special affirming the constitution.
- Analyzes how foner states that new england federalists came together at the hartford convention to come up with ways to deal with the economic problems that were occurring in new
- Analyzes how the anti-federalists believed that the constitution moved the balance between liberty and power too far in the direction of the latter.
- Analyzes how foner acknowledged that liberty was the anti-federalists motto. they offset a way of life founded in local, democratic institutions.
- Analyzes how foner acknowledges the fact that the anti-federalists group eventually perished, though this did not change their beliefs. they believe too-powerful central government is an extreme danger to liberty.
853 wordsRead More - Aristotle's Legacy in the Federalist Papersanalytical essayIn 1789, the Confederation of the United States, faced with the very real threat of dissolution, found a renewed future with the ratification of the Constitution of the United States. This document created a structure upon which the citizens could build a future free of the unwanted pitfalls and hazards of tyrannies, dictatorship, or monarchies, while securing the best possible prospects for a good life. However, before the establishment of the new United States government, there was a period of dissent over the need for a strong centralized government. Furthermore, there was some belief that the new constitution failed to provide adequate protection for small businessmen and farmers and even less clear protection for fundamental human rights.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes aristotle's views on the virtue of rule of a state by the many as opposed to the few or the one.
- Analyzes how hamilton and madison outlined the establishment of the legislative body upon which the united states government is based. what better example of aristotle's thoughts on the subject of democratic government than the existence of a society that embraces his teachings
- Analyzes how hamilton and madison explain the necessity for allowing the people to elect their representatives, accepting that not all men are capable of fulfilling the responsibilities inherent in public office.
- Explains that aristotle maintains that the best ruler is one who has been ruled. the process of election, according to the federalist papers, states the office should be made available to any citizen, except on the basis of being twenty-five years of age or older.
- Argues that the federalist papers owe their existence, in terms of their intellectual underpinnings, to the writings of aristotle.
- Analyzes how the federalist papers mirror aristotle's assessment that rule of the many eliminates or lessens the risk of corruption.
- Cites jay, john, hamilton, alexander, and james madison's "federalist papers: the house of representatives."
- Cites hamilton, alexander and james madison's "federalist papers: the structure of the government must furnish the proper checks and balances between the different departments."
2064 wordsRead More - Freedom from Religion: Perversion of the U.S. Constitutionanalytical essayHamilton, Alexander, James Madison, and John Jay. The Federalist Papers. New York: Penguin Books, 1961.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the u.s. constitution has been the spine of america, the single-most effective element in the preservation of her sacred liberties.
- Explains that many types of government have been formed, and can be distinguished by the manner of their religious dealings. in biblical times, the israelites were under a theocracy.
- Explains the second form of autocracy is exemplified by socialism. socialist leaders throughout history have become revered as surrogate gods by their followers.
- Analyzes how the united states' form of government, a republic, falls roughly in the middle of these extremes. the constitution provides checks and balances to ensure that the nation becomes neither monarchial nor socialistic.
- Explains that the framers of the constitution had good reason to advocate religious freedom and separation while building this government.
- Explains that james madison proposed that wealth, birth, religious faith, or civil profession should not fetter the judgment or disappoint the inclination of the people. religion did not disqualify an individual from being "equal under the law."
- Explains that thomas jefferson was a firm believer in the individuality of religion. he proposed the wall of separation between church and state, which was accepted by the government of virginia.
- Opines that congress shall not make any law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.
- Explains the extent to which this amendment affects religion in america is evident in all public institutions, but nowhere has it been such a point of controversy as in public schools.
- Explains that religious expression that does not impose one’s beliefs on others is usually legal, but occasionally is called into question by someone who is offended. the basic rule in solving these controversial matters deals with equality.
- Explains that americans united (for separation of church and state) is largely active in the "freedom from religion" interpretation of the first amendment.
- Explains that the american civil liberties union protests the sponsoring of religion in public schools. the aclu backed parents in ft. myers, florida, who sought to stop the teaching of a "bible history" class.
- Explains that the american center for law and justice and christian law association represent litigants on the "freedom of religion" side of the issue. the aclj represented the lee county school board in the aforementioned "bible history."
- Explains that the cla is dedicated to the preservation of religious freedoms in america, and offers free representation to christians who are being persecuted for expressing their faith.
- Explains how two landmark cases profoundly changed the way the u.s. supreme court would look at the first amendment.
- Analyzes how the court's decision in murray v. curlett rewrote the first amendment via judicial legislation.
- Argues that the first amendment guarantees freedom of speech and the press will be preserved and protected. the democratic republic has seen an agnostic minority suppress the faith
- Analyzes how congress and the supreme court passed the religious freedom restoration act in 1993 in response to the perversion of the constitution via judicial legislation.
- Argues that equality is the tolerance of all faiths, not by suppressing all, but by protecting all from suppression.
- Argues that the government is not violating the constitution by allowing money to be used in the school of the taxpayer's choice.
- Concludes that the dual perversion of the constitution has led to the creation of a wall far greater than that envisioned by jefferson or any other founding fathers.
- Cites boston, rob, and joseph conn. "supreme court to hear arguments in cleveland school voucher case."
- States florida citizens file lawsuit against unconstitutional ‘bible history’ classes.
- Explains gibbs, david c. jr., "defending christian freedom in america's public schools." cla 1999.
- Explains hamilton, alexander, james madison, and john jay's federalist papers. robertson, b. a., "conflicts between government and individual religious freedom in the u.s."
2410 wordsRead More - Anti-Federalist vs Federalistanalytical essayAfter winning the Revolutionary War and sovereign control of their home country from the British, Americans now had to deal with a new authoritative issue: who was to rule at home? In the wake of this massive authoritative usurpation, there were two primary views of how the new American government should function. Whereas part of the nation believed that a strong, central government would be the most beneficial for the preservation of the Union, others saw a Confederation of sovereign state governments as an option more supportive of the liberties American’s fought so hard for in the Revolution. Those in favor of a central government, the Federalists, thought this form of government was necessary to ensure national stability, unity and influence concerning foreign perception. Contrastingly, Anti-Federalists saw this stronger form of government as potentially oppressive and eerily similar to the authority’s tendencies of the British government they had just fought to remove. However, through the final ratification of the Constitution, new laws favoring state’s rights and the election at the turn of the century, one can say that the Anti-Federalist view of America prevails despite making some concessions in an effort to preserve the Union.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that americans were faced with a new authoritative issue after winning the revolutionary war and sovereign control of their home country from the british.
- Explains that a strong central government was necessary to provide uniform supervision to the states thus aiding in the preservation of the union.
- Explains that anti-federalists were fearful of an authoritative, central government as well as the potential for this government to abuse their privileges of state control.
- Analyzes how federalist manifestations within the american system imposed impartial political agendas onto the states in an attempt to solidify the union's identity.
- Analyzes how anti-federalist laws counteracted many federalist laws before them. they criticized the constitutionality of the alien & sedition acts as an attack on human rights.
- Argues that the anti-federalist view prevails over the federalist view in the constitution. the bill of rights provides american citizens with freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly and petition grievances against the government.
- Analyzes how the eleventh amendment of the constituion addresses state sovereignty by preventing federal intervention between states and citizens. jefferson's victory over adams in the 1800 election demonstrates the contingency of factions within the nation.
- Argues that anti-federalism sets the stage for the human freedoms that america adopts as its signature characteristics.
- Analyzes bradburn's book, "a clamor in the public mind: the opposition to the alien and sedition acts."
- Explains taylor, alan, "from fathers to friends of the people: political personas in the early republic."
2017 wordsRead More - The Federalist Papers: Ratification Of The United Statesexplanatory essaypapers were written by three important men. The purpose of it was to promote the
In this essay, the author
- Explains the purpose of the papers, which were written by three important men.
- Describes the new york press under the signature of "publius".
- Explains that john jay was responsible for only a few of the 85 articles.
- Opines that jay's articles were more of a continuous from the first type thing. he only has few.
- Opines that hamilton did more articles out of the three men. he and james madison did papers.
- Explains that he had part on federalist 37, which was about the concerning in devising a
286 wordsRead More