Overview
Brutus No. 1 critiques the proposal to unify the thirteen states under a single large republic, arguing it would threaten liberty and effective representation.
Limits of a Large Republic
- A free government should secure liberty and fair representation for its citizens.
- Historical thinkers, like Montesquieu, argue that republics succeed only in small territories.
- Large republics tend to sacrifice the public good to many competing interests.
- Historical examples (Greece, Rome) show large republics become tyrannical as they expand.
Problems with Representation
- In a pure democracy, citizens must directly participate, which is impractical in large territories.
- In a republic, citizens are represented by elected officials expected to reflect their constituents' views.
- Large populations require either too many representatives (making government unwieldy) or too few (leading to poor representation).
- Diverse interests and customs across vast areas lead to constant conflict and legislative gridlock.
Enforcement of Laws and Public Trust
- Free republics rely on citizen support for law enforcement, not standing armies.
- Standing armies destroy liberty and are contrary to republican principles.
- Effective governments depend on public trust, which comes from accountability and familiarity between the people and their rulers.
- In large republics, people don’t know their leaders or their actions, reducing confidence and support for the government.
Risks of Concentrated Power
- Large republics risk creating powerful officials who are difficult to hold accountable.
- Executive officers will command significant military and financial power, attracting ambitious, self-serving individuals.
- Abuse of power is more likely, with few means for citizens to prevent or correct it.
Conclusion
- A free, consolidated republic over such an extensive country as the United States is impractical and dangerous.
- The new Constitution’s plan to consolidate states into one republic should be rejected.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Republic — a government where citizens elect representatives to enact laws.
- Standing Army — a permanent, professional army maintained even in peacetime.
- Representation — the process through which citizens elect individuals to act on their behalf in government.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the arguments in Brutus No. 1 and compare them with Federalist responses.
- Prepare to discuss whether the U.S. Constitution resolves the issues Brutus raises.