Heimlich's History: Foundational Documents Series - Brutus Number One

Introduction

• Overview of the series focused on foundational documents for AP Government.
• Today's focus: Brutus Number One.
• Comparison between Federalist 10 and Brutus One.

Context

• Federalist Papers: Argued for the ratification of the Constitution.
• Anti-Federalist Papers: Opposed ratification, with Brutus Number One being the first.
• Published in New York newspapers to influence public opinion.

Brutus Number One: Main Ideas

• Central Question: Is a confederated government better than a centralized republic for the US?
  • Confederated government features states with more power than the central authority (similar to Articles of Confederation).
  • Centralized republic: A single cohesive government.

Arguments Against Centralized Government

• Necessary and Proper Clause (Article 1, Section 8): Allows Congress to make laws deemed necessary and proper.
• Supremacy Clause (Article 6): Federal laws supersede state laws.
  • Concern: State governments could become obsolete.

Effects on State Power

• Taxes:
  • Central authority's power to tax could limit states' ability to raise funds.
  • Without taxes, state governments would "shrivel up and die."
• Federal Courts:
  • Federal courts could overshadow state courts, rendering them unnecessary.

Argument on Republic Size

• Montesquieu's View: Republics work best in small territories.
• Brutus' Concern:
  • A large republic cannot effectively represent all citizens.
  • Elected representatives would struggle to understand and represent constituents' needs effectively.
  • Public confidence in leaders would diminish due to lack of familiarity and accountability.

Conclusion

• Brutus highlights the potential dangers of a strong centralized government eroding state power.
• Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a confederated structure to preserve state authority and effective representation.

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