over Debate the constitution: Federalists and antifederalists: Constitution: -First constitution in history had to be ratified by 9 states Proponents: Federalists ==wanted to stop the will of the mob -wanted the better few to have power nearly miraculous that there was so little to object to- washington assembly of demigods- jefferson wisest ever yet presented to man Opponents: Anti-Federalists ===Wanted the will of the many to rein supreme lansing: "triple headed monster" -three branches of tyranny
Madison: uses word "filter" John Jay: art confederation: power was focus on the local -when once a national govt is established the best men in the country will be elected...widest field for choice..no want for persons Fed 35-The larger the constituency==> it would be less likely for on whose fames and achievements do not travel beyond the scope of his neighbors Indirect process of elections will extract from the masses..the purest and noblest characters 35: common man would always be deferential to those he recognized as better than he.
Antifederalists: Preferred direct democracy ===This that the consitution is aristocratic and will resolution a tyrannical government -in PA: it was assumed that people would present themselves to confirm the actins of the legislature at the end of each year -however it was assumed that representatives would be needed -reps shouls mirror the people the represent Representative vs Trustee 1787 alexander hamilton was 30 years old madison was 36
Federalistss rich sophisticated connected in the states and in europe national elites -War heros or national congress Locke lockean liberal secular republic commercial republic Competitive individualism: Free individuals pursue business an commerce, accumulate capital through work. hard State protects rights. Government provides means to secure property and be secure in its possession Various and interfering interests which compete in a free society. Diversity breads progress. Moral beliefs are private and not of public concern
Antifederalisists less rich urban artistans were the exception more provincial, involved in local politics local elites
Rouseau, winthrope preliberal,older republican/chritian ideals Moral republic
Insist on older Ideals: State serves a moral purpose. Interested more in the community's rights. Egalitarian society. Unity and sameness: everyone would ideally share all the same beliefs.
What did the founders think about religion? God is not mentioned in the constitution -First Amendment: 1791 "no religious test shall ever be required..." anti federalists gave title : "godless constitution" "in 500 years a JEW or Papist could be running our country!!!!!" 7 State still state that you have to believe in god in order to hold public office -the world hates atheists
The Vote: (it was close!) PA 46-23 in favor CT 128-42 in favor Mass 187-168 in favor NH 57-46 in favor VA 89-79 in favor NY 30-27 in favor NC rejected RI rejected Bill of Rights: -wouldn't have existed without antifederalist pressure Protects individual rights antidemocratic "Promise that if you vote in favor the first thing on the docket will be the bill of rights" 1787 is a victory for the feds but not a defeat for the antifeds debate lives on: do we want a secular commercial republic or do we want a moral commonwealth? Federal Government embodies ideals of lockean government: presides over america as a comercialrepublic
States regulate education moral law religious law and police power...etc: -sould like antifed?