Posts Tagged ‘Constitutional Convention’
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 85: Melancthon Smith
Concluding Remarks: Evils under Confederation Exaggerated; Constitution must Be Drastically Revised Before Adoption Melancthon Smith By Melancthon Smith (a "Plebeian"). . . . . It is agreed, the plan is defective -- that some of the powers granted are dangerous -- others not well defined -- and amendments are necessary why then [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 84: Brutus
On the Lack of a Bill of Rights Brutus By "Brutus." When a building is to be erected which is intended to stand for ages, the foundation should be firmly laid. The Constitution proposed to your acceptance is designed, not for yourselves alone, but for generations yet unborn. The principles, therefore, upon which the social compact [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 83: Luther Martin
The Federal Judiciary and the Issue of Trial by Jury Luther Martin By Luther Martin of Maryland. . . . . in all those cases, where the general government has jurisdiction in civil questions, the proposed Constitution not only makes no provision for the trial by jury in the first instance, but, by its appellate jurisdiction, [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 81: Brutus
The Power of the Judiciary. (Part 3) Brutus, February 7th, 14th & 28th, 1788 Part 1: from the 12th essay by "Brutus" from the February 7th & 14th (1788) issues of The New-York Journal.Part 2: Taken from the first half of the 14th essay February 28, 1788. In my last, I showed, that the judicial power of the United States [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 76-77: Richard Henry Lee
An Antifederalist View of the Appointing Power under the Constitution Richard Henry Lee . . . . In contemplating the necessary officers of the union, there appear to be six different modes in which, in whole or in part, the appointments may be made. 1. by the legislature; 2. by the president and the senate; 3. by the president and an [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 75: Hampden
A Note Protesting the Treaty-making Provisions of the Constitution Hampden, February 16, 1788 The following essay was penned anonymously by "Hampden," and it appeared in The Pittsburgh Gazette on February 16, 1788. .... It may be freely granted, that from a mistaken zeal in favor of that political liberty which was so recently [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 74: Philadelphiensis
The President as Military King Philadelphiensis, February 6 & 20, and April 9 of 1788 "Philadelphiensis," who was influenced by Thomas Paine (in Common Sense), wrote the following selection. It is taken from 3 essays which appearing February 6 & 20, and April 9 of 1788 in either The Freeman's Journal or, The North-American [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 68: William Grayson
On the Mode of Electing the President William Grayson, June 18, 1788 From a speech by William Grayson given to the Virginia ratifying convention on June 18, 1788. Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Chairman, one great objection with me is this: If we advert to..... democratical, aristocratical, or executive branch, we shall find their powers are [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 64: Cincinnatus
On the Organization and Powers of the Senate. (Part 3) Cincinnatus, Nov. 22, 1787 Taken from the New York Journal, Nov. 22, 1787 by "Cincinnatus" It appears to have been written in answer to James Wilson's Antifederalist # 12). I come now, sir, to the most exceptionable part of the Constitution -- the Senate. In this, as in every [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 61: The Federal Farmer
Questions and Comments on the Constitutional Provisions Regarding the Election of Congressmen The Federal Farmer The "Federal Farmer" comments on the election of Congressmen. . . . . It is well observed by Montesquieu, that in republican governments the forms of elections are fundamental; and that it is an essential part of the [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 58: The Federal Farmer
Will the House of Representatives Be Genuinely Representative? (Part 4) The Federal Farmer It is said that our people have a high sense of freedom, possess power, property, and the strong arm; meaning, I presume, that the body of the people can take care of themselves, and awe their rulers; and, therefore, particular provision in the [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 57: The Federal Farmer
Will the House of Representatives Be Genuinely Representative? (Part 3) The Federal Farmer . . . . But "the people must elect good men." Examine the system -- is it practicable for them to elect fit and proper representatives where the number is so small? "But the people may choose whom they please." This is an observation, I believe, [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 56: The Federal Farmer
Will the House of Representatives Be Genuinely Representative? (Part 2) The Federal Farmer . . . . Why in England have the revolutions always ended in stipulations in favor of general liberty, equal laws, and the common rights of the people, and in most other countries in favor only of a few influential men? The reasons, in my mind, are [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 55: The Federal Farmer
Will the House of Representatives Be Genuinely Representative? (Part 1) The Federal Farmer Following are four essays by "The Federal Farmer." .... It being impracticable for the people to assemble to make laws, they must elect legislators, and assign men to the different departments of the government. In the representative branch [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 53: Amicus
A Plea for the Right of Recall Amicus, August 28, 1788 "Amicus" appeared in the Columbian Herald, August 28, 1788. Some time before a Convention of the United States was held, I mentioned in a paragraph which was published in one of the Charlestown papers, that it would be acting wisely in the formation of a constitution for a [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 52: Consider Arms, Malichi Maynard, and Samuel Field
On the Guarantee of Congressional Biennial Elections Consider Arms, Malichi Maynard, and Samuel Field, April 9, 1788 The following essay was signed by Consider Arms, Malichi Maynard, and Samuel Field. It was taken from The Hampshire Gazette of April 9, 1788. We the subscribers being of the number, who did not assent to the [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 50: An Old Whig
On Constitutional Conventions (Part 2) An Old Whig, November 28, 1787 Anti-Federalists sought a second constitutional convention immediately after conclusion of the first. This essay by "An Old Whig," is from either The Freeman's Journal or The North-American Intelligencer, of November 28, 1787. It is true that the Continental [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 49: Massachusettensis and An Old Whig
On Constitutional Conventions (Part 1) Massachusettensis and An Old Whig, January 29, 1788 and November 27, 1787 respectively The following essay is in two parts: the first is by "Massachusettensis," and is reprinted from The Massachusetts Gazette of January 29, 1788; the second part was written by "An Old Whig," and is taken from The [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 48: Leonidas
No Separation of Departments Results in No Responsibility Leonidas, July 30, 1788 "Leonidas," from London, obviously did not understand Article II Section I of the proposed new Constitution. But his works were welcomed in the London Times, and either The Freeman's Journal, or The North-American Intelligencer on July 30, 1788. In [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 47: Centinel
"Balance" of Departments Not Achieved under New Constitution Centinel, October 5 and 24, 1787 This essay is made up of excerpts from "Centinel's," letters of October 5 and 24, 1787. Taken from The Independent Gazetteer. I am fearful that the principles of government inculcated in Mr. Adams' treatise , and enforced in the numerous [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 46: An Old Whig
Where Then Is the Restraint? An Old Whig, Nov. 2, 1788 This essay by "An Old Whig" (see AFP #'s Nos. 18-20, 49, 50, and 70) appeared in the Maryland Gazette and Baltimore Advertiser on Nov. 2, 1788. Let us look to the first article of the proposed new constitution, which treats of the legislative powers of Congress; and to the [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 45: Robert Yates
Powers of National Government Dangerous to State Governments; New York as an Example Sydney, June 13 and 14, 1788 Robert Yates, a delegate to the 1787 convention from New York, left on July 10, 1787. He became an Antifederalist leader. Under the nome de plume "Sydney" he wrote in the New York Daily Patriotic Register, June 13 and 14, [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 44: Deliberator
What Congress Can Do; What a State Can Not Deliberator, February 20, 1788 "Deliberator" appeared in The Freeman's Journal; or, The North-American Intelligencer, February 20, 1788. A writer in the Pennsylvania Packet, under the signature of A Freeman, has lately entered the lists as another champion for the proposed constitution. [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers Nos. 41-43: Richard Henry Lee
The Quantity of Power The Union Must Possess Is One Thing; The Mode of Exercising The Powers Given Is Quite a Different Consideration. (Part II) Richard Henry Lee Written by Richard Henry Lee. . . . In the present state of mankind, and of conducting war, the government of every nation must have power to raise and keep up regular [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers Nos. 41-43: The Federal Farmer, Richard Henry Lee
The Quantity of Power The Union Must Possess Is One Thing; The Mode of Exercising The Powers Given Is Quite a Different Consideration. (Part I) The Federal Farmer, Richard Henry Lee Taken from "The Federal Farmer," and written by Richard Henry Lee. . . . . A federal republic in itself supposes state or local governments to exist, [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 40: Compilation of Articles
On the Motivations and Authority of the Founding Fathers AntiFederalist #40 is a compilation of articles. It was a common saying among many sensible men in Great Britain and Ireland, in the time of the war, that they doubted whether the great men of America, who had taken an active part in favor of independence, were influenced by [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 39: A Farmer
Appearance and Reality -- the Form Is Federal; the Effect Is National A Farmer, April 15 and 22, 1788 The following excerpt is from the essays of "A Farmer." It appeared in the Philadelphia Independent Gazetteer on April 15 and 22, 1788. . . . . The Freeman, in his second number, after mentioning in a very delusional manner [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 37: Federal Farmer
Factions and the Constitution Federal Farmer The "Federal Farmer" plows once more into the row of problems he perceives in the proposed constitution. .... To have a just idea of the government before us, and to show that a consolidated one is the object in view, it is necessary not only to examine the plan, but also its history, [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 35: George Mason
Federal Taxing Power must Be Restrained George Mason, June 4, 1788 George Mason of Virginia opposed the Constitution because it lacked a Bill of Rights, and centralized powers further than he felt it necessary. Mason delivered the following speech before the Virginia ratifying convention, June 4, 1788. Mr. Chairman, whether the [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 29: A DEMOCRATIC FEDERALIST
Objections to National Control of the Militia. A DEMOCRATIC FEDERALIST, October 23, 1787 "A DEMOCRATIC FEDERALIST," appeared in "the Pennsylvania Packet," October 23, 1787; following #29, #30 is excerpted from The Address And Reasons of Dissent of The Minority of The Convention of The State of Pennsylvania to Their Constituents, December [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 22: A Farmer
Articles of Confederation Simply Requires Amendments, Particularly For Commercial Power And Judicial Power; Constitution Goes Too Far Candidus, Dec. 6, and 20, 1787 Benjamin Austin of Massachusetts, used the pen-name "Candidus." Taken from two letters by "Candidus" which appeared in the Independent Chronicle, December 6 and 20, [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 21: Centinel
Why The Articles Failed Centinel, October 5 and November 30, 1787 This essay is composed of excerpts from "Centinel" letters appearing in the (Philadelphia) Independent Gazetteer, October 5 and November 30, 1787. That the present confederation is inadequate to the objects of the union, seems to be universally allowed. The only [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 18-20: An Old Whig, and A Newport Man
What Does History Teach? Part 1 and Part 2 An Old Whig, November 27, 1787, and A Newport Man, March 17, 1788. Part 1: "AN OLD WHIG," taken from The Massachusetts Gazette, November 27, 1787, as reprinted from the Independent Gazetteer. . . . . By the proposed constitution, every law, before it passes, is to undergo repeated revisions; [...]
The Anti-Federalist Papers No. 10: A Farmer
Liberty Letters, A Farmer, Anti-Federalist No. 10 March 18, 1788 This essay follows a theme similar to Federalist No. 10,and appeared in the Maryland Gazette and Baltimore Advertiser, March 18, 1788. The opposite qualities of the first confederation were rather caused by than the cause of two parties, which from its first existence began [...]
Constitution Day
American Minute with Bill Federer "Done...the SEVENTEENTH DAY of SEPTEMBER, in the year of our LORD one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven." This is the last line of the U.S. Constitution. A study by Professors Donald S. Lutz and Charles S. Hyneman, titled "The Relative Influence of European Writers on Late 18th-Century American [...]
THe Constitutional Covention and The Lord Building Up A Nation
American Minute with Bill Federer The Constitutional Convention was in a deadlock over how large and small states could be represented equally. Some delegates gave up and left. Then, on JUNE 28, 1787, 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin spoke and shortly after, the U.S. Constitution became a reality. As recorded by James Madison, Franklin [...]
The U.S. Constitution and The Religious Upholding of It
American Minute with Bill Federer The U.S. Constitution went into effect JUNE 21, 1788, when New Hampshire became the 9th state to ratified it. The 55 writers of the U.S. Constitution consisted of: 26 Episcopalian Christians, 11 Presbyterian Christians, 7 Congregationalist Christians, 2 Lutheran Christians, 2 Dutch Reformed Christians, 2 [...]
The Vice President: Loving Heir Apparent?
Liberty Letters with Steve Farrell Elbridge Gerry, Massachusetts delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and signer of both The Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation, rose to his feat during the constitutional debates for September 7, 1787 to oppose the motion that would appoint Vice Presidents under the proposed new [...]
A Plunge into Constitutional Chaos
By Phyllis Schlafly Several state legislatures are considering resolutions to use a never-before-used power in our Constitution's Article V to petition Congress to call a new national convention to amend the U.S. Constitution. Most of these resolutions say they want the convention to consider only the one amendment that state is [...]
No, no Con-Con
By Henry Lamb The U.S. Constitution provides two ways to offer amendments to the Constitution: by resolution of the Congress; and by a Constitutional Convention requested by two-thirds of the states. In either case, the proposed amendment(s) must be ratified by three-fourths of the states. There is a very good reason why all 27 amendments to [...]
Madison’s Notes: The Federal Convention of 1787: August 28
Liberty Letters, 28 August 1787, James Madison Editor's Notes: Mr. Sherman made the following report regarding items referred to committee: 1. That there be inserted after the 4th clause of 7th. section "Nor shall any regulation of commerce or revenue give preference to the ports of one State over those of another, or oblige vessels bound to or [...]
A Warning About Things to Come
By Phyllis Schlafly Have you seen the television pictures of the tens of thousands of demonstrators at the Wisconsin State Capitol who are protesting proposed budget cuts for state employees? If so, you've had an advance peek at the sort of demonstrations that will take place if state legislatures are foolish enough to pass resolutions [...]
John Marshall: On the Federal Constitution
Liberty Letters, 10 June 1788, John Marshall Editor's Summary: John Marshall approaches Patrick Henry's objections to the proposed United States Constitution, one by one, and overcomes them solidly and persuasively. He discusses the abuses of political life under the Articles of Confederation that were ignored by Henry, and then moves on to the [...]
Plain, Honest Men: The Making of the American Constitution
Free Enterprise Zone, The Freeman, Joseph Stromberg This book is a well-executed account of the Constitutional Convention, clearly the fruit of many years of scholarly work. It will doubtlessly and quite deservedly come to be seen as one of the best nationalist accounts of the origins of the Constitution. (And since nationalist accounts [...]
The Perfect Christmas Gift
By Henry Lamb To listen, click here Think of everything this nation needs, and begin listing them in order of importance. Regardless of how long your list may eventually be, or how different it may be from your neighbors,’ whatever you have listed can be rolled into one gift that supersedes all others in importance. The perfect gift will [...]
Madison’s Notes: The Federal Convention of 1787, August 18
Liberty Letters, 18 August 1787, James Madison ____________________ Editor's Summary: Madison submits a list of powers to be added to Congress, to include, surprisingly, the creation of a National University, the power to create encouragements beyond securing patents to advance "useful knowledge and discoveries" by "offering premiums and [...]
As to Standing Armies In Time of Peace
Liberty Letters Quote of the Day, 1787, Elbridge Gerry Mr. GERRY took notice that there was no check here against standing armies in time of peace. The existing Congress is so constructed that it cannot of itself maintain an army. This would not be the case under the new system. The people were jealous on this head, and great opposition to [...]
Democracy: A More Pure and Unmixed Tyranny
Liberty Letters Quote of the Day, James Wilson Mr. Wilson, after viewing the subject with all the coolness and attention possible was most apprehensive of a dissolution of the Government from the legislature swallowing up all the other powers. He remarked that the prejudices against the Executive resulted from a misapplication of the adage [...]
Madison’s Notes: The Federal Convention of 1787: August 14
Liberty Letters, 14 August 1787, James Madison ____________________ Editor's Summary: The debate for 14 August 1787 focused on two issues. 1. Should members of the House be eligible under the Constitution to accept civil service offices during or shortly thereafter serving in the House? And why or why isn't this a danger? 2. Who should pay [...]
Madison’s Notes: Federal Convention of 1787: August 12
Liberty Letters, 12 August 1787, James Madison _____________________ Editor's Summary: Minimum citizenship requirements for members of the House of Representatives considered. Wilson and Randolph advocated lowering the requirement from 7 years a citizen to 4. Mr. GERRY objected, wishing that in the future "the eligibility might be confined to [...]
