Heimlich's History: Brutus Number One

Introduction

• Part of the foundational documents series for AP Government.
• Focus on the debate between Federalist Papers and Anti-Federalist Papers.
• Federalist Papers: For the ratification of the Constitution.
• Anti-Federalist Papers (Brutus Number One): Against ratification of the Constitution.

Context

• Federalist 10 argued for a republican-style government for a large nation like the U.S.
• Brutus Number One criticizes this argument, advocating against a powerful centralized government.

Main Question

• Is a confederated government the best for the United States?
  • Confederated government: States have power, weak central authority (as under Articles of Confederation).
  • Alternative: One great republic governed by central authorities.

Brutus's Argument

• Prefers a confederacy over the republic established by the Constitution.
• Concerned about the potential loss of state power.

Key Concerns

1. Necessary and Proper Clause
   • Found in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution.
   • Allows Congress to pass any law deemed necessary and proper.
2. Supremacy Clause
   • Found in Article 6 of the Constitution.
   • Federal laws have greater authority than state laws.

Consequences of Centralization

• State governments may become irrelevant.
• Federal government could overpower state governments.

Example: Taxation

• Federal authority on taxation could undermine state powers.
• States might struggle to collect taxes if federal government has the primary control.
• States losing tax revenue could lead to the dissolution of state governments.

Example: Federal Courts

• Federal courts surpassing state courts could render state courts obsolete.

Republic Size Argument

• Quoting Montesquieu: A republic naturally requires a small territory.
• Difficulty in representation in large territories.

Issues with Large Republic

• Representatives may not reflect the people's sentiments effectively.
• People may not know their rulers well, reducing accountability.

Conclusion

• Brutus Number One presents strong arguments against a strong centralized government, favoring state power and smaller republics.

• For more detailed study, review the video packet and other foundational document videos.