Overview
Brutus No. 1 argues against the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, warning that the proposed national government would become too powerful, endanger state sovereignty, and threaten individual liberty.
The Critical Decision on the Constitution
- The decision to ratify the Constitution will greatly impact current and future generations’ freedom and happiness.
- If the Constitution secures liberty and rights, it will benefit future generations; if it leads to tyranny, it will destroy liberty.
Concerns about Centralized Power
- The proposed Constitution gives the federal government absolute legislative, executive, and judicial power over all matters it covers.
- The "necessary and proper" and "supremacy" clauses ensure federal laws override state laws, diminishing state power.
- Federal taxing power is unlimited and can undermine the states’ ability to raise revenue and function independently.
- Federal courts will overshadow state courts, further eroding state authority.
Dangers of Consolidation
- The Constitution moves toward consolidating the states into one large republic rather than a confederation of sovereign states.
- A consolidated government threatens liberty by absorbing the powers of state governments.
Impracticality of a Large Republic
- Historical examples and political theory suggest that large republics cannot maintain freedom and effective representation.
- In a massive republic, representatives cannot truly reflect the people's sentiments due to distance, diversity, and size.
- Diverse interests and manners across states will cause constant conflict and ineffective governance.
Lack of Accountability and Public Confidence
- In a large republic, citizens will not know their representatives or their actions, reducing accountability.
- Lack of familiarity and trust will lead to weak public support and necessitate a standing army to enforce laws, risking tyranny.
Executive and Legislative Power Abuses
- Few officials in a large republic will hold significant power, making them susceptible to corruption and ambition.
- In such a vast government, it's difficult to remove or hold officials accountable for misconduct.
Final Objections
- A government consolidating all states into one republic, as proposed, endangers liberty and should not be adopted.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Consolidation — The merging of state governments into a single national government.
- Necessary and Proper Clause — Grants Congress the power to pass laws deemed necessary and proper to execute its powers.
- Supremacy Clause — Establishes the Constitution and federal laws as the supreme law of the land.
- Standing Army — A permanent, professional army maintained during peacetime.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the arguments for and against ratifying the Constitution.
- Reflect on how Brutus No. 1’s concerns compare to other Federalist and Anti-Federalist writings for future discussion.