American History: Debate on the Constitution

Transition from Articles of Confederation to Constitution

• Initial Perception: Seems like an easy transition, but it was not.
• Weakness of Articles: Proved too weak for central governance.
  • Shays' Rebellion: Highlighted the weaknesses.

Constitutional Convention of 1787

• Initial Purpose: To revise the Articles of Confederation.
• Outcome: Drafted a completely new Constitution.

Ratification Debate (1787-1788)

• Federalists:
  • Pro-ratification of the Constitution.
  • Key Figures: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay.
  • Contribution: Wrote the Federalist Papers.
• Anti-Federalists:
  • Against ratification.
  • Writings: Anti-Federalist Papers.
  • Notable Paper: "Brutus One" (October 18, 1787).

"Brutus One"

• Author: Pseudonym "Brutus," possibly Robert Yates, Melancton Smith, or John Williams.
• Historical Reference: Name taken from Roman senator Brutus who opposed tyranny.

Main Arguments in "Brutus One"

• Central Question: Should the US be one great republic or remain 13 confederated republics?
• Power of Central Government: Criticizes the Constitution for creating a supreme central government.
  • Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Power: Seen as absolute and uncontrollable.
  • State Irrelevance: States cannot act outside of central government control.

Concerns Raised by "Brutus"

• Historical Precedents: No examples of a successful large republic; references Grecian and Roman histories.
• Extent of US Territory:
  • Concern over representation that truly reflects the people's sentiments.
  • Fear of too many interests leading to governance issues.

Types of Democracy

• Participatory Democracy: Citizens involved in decision-making.
• Pluralist Democracy: Vigorous debate between many views.
• Elite Democracy: Representation by a limited, possibly elite, group.

Critique of Pluralism

• Manners, Sentiments, and Interests: Should be similar for a republic to function.
• Fear of Pluralism: Seen as leading to clashing opinions and indecision.

Concerns of Elite Democracy

• Detachment of Representatives: Fear they become self-serving and oppressive.
• Recommendation: Constitution should not be adopted if it consolidates states into one large republic.