Anti Federalist - Raw History

Anti Federalist

A collection of 12 posts

Book Ends: Richard Henry Lee & Alexander Stephens on the Consolidation of the States

Anti Federalist

Book Ends: Richard Henry Lee & Alexander Stephens on the Consolidation of the States

It's interesting to read two eras of history that address, in relative terms, the same subject. In this case, the topic is the consolidation of the several States into one centralized government. Those who became known in history as the Anti-Federalists routinely predicted that the Constitution would lead to the

Obligations to Posterity: Thoughts by Cato, 1787.

Obligations to Posterity: Thoughts by Cato, 1787.

This is a short but interesting view about obligations that a generation has to posterity. The occasion of these remarks is the fight over the ratification of the Constitution. Cato, being among the Anti-Federalists, distrusted the Constitution vis-a-vis the Articles of Confederation. August Glen-James, editor . . . your posterity will find that

Luther Martin Defends Elbridge Gerry: January 1788

Luther Martin Defends Elbridge Gerry: January 1788

It's easy to get the impression that the Constitutional Convention was a harmonious venture; however, there was actually a lot of angst and anger at times. For instance, Robert Yates and John Lansing, delegates from New York, left the convention and actively fought against ratification. Other members, like Col. Mason

The Constitution's Tendency to Consolidation: Thoughts by "Brutus," March 20, 1788

Anti Federalist

The Constitution's Tendency to Consolidation: Thoughts by "Brutus," March 20, 1788

Two salient criticisms of the Constitution animating the Anti-Federalist faction were the lack of a Bill of Rights and the Constitution's tendency to consolidation which, they claimed, would result in the abolition of the state governments. This selection highlights how, according to "Brutus," that "nothing could have been better conceived

The Nature of the Union: Patrick Henry answered by James Madison and analyzed by Jefferson Davis.

Anti Federalist

The Nature of the Union: Patrick Henry answered by James Madison and analyzed by Jefferson Davis.

What exactly is the nature of the government framed by the Constitution . . . a confederation of sovereign states or a consolidated nation of "we the people"? Many in the founding generation, like Patrick Henry, worried that the proposed constitution of 1787 was intended to and would result in a consolidated nation

What "parties" showed up at the Constitutional Convention? Analysis by participant, Luther Martin

What "parties" showed up at the Constitutional Convention? Analysis by participant, Luther Martin

Luther Martin (1748-1826) served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention from Maryland. He opposed the idea of creating a strong central government and constantly sided with the "small" states against the "large" states in their disputes over proportional representation versus equal representation. He supported having equal representation for all

The Articles of Confederation and the Constitution: Thoughts by Robert Toombs

Anti Federalist

The Articles of Confederation and the Constitution: Thoughts by Robert Toombs

Robert Toombs was a Georgia politician who served in the United States House of Representatives & Senate, and then served in the Confederate government after secession. His criticism of the Constitution of 1787 is not idiosyncratic as many amongst the Founders and others in subsequent generations voiced concerns about the motivations

Sectionalism & A Silent Conspiracy: Thoughts by Richard Henry Lee, 1787

Sectionalism & A Silent Conspiracy: Thoughts by Richard Henry Lee, 1787

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution for independence from Britain in the Continental Congress. Subsequent to this resolution, a committee was formed to write a declaration of causes for independence. As most know, Thomas Jefferson penned said declaration, took advice from committee members, John Adams and

A NATIONAL GOVERNMENT vs. A FEDERAL UNION OF SOVEREIGN STATES: SAMUEL ADAMS TO RICHARD HENRY LEE

A NATIONAL GOVERNMENT vs. A FEDERAL UNION OF SOVEREIGN STATES: SAMUEL ADAMS TO RICHARD HENRY LEE

Most people know Samuel Adams and associate his name with either beer or the American Revolution. Fewer people, however, recognize Richard Henry Lee. Lee, from Virginia, offered the resolution for independence thus leading to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. Both men, however, opposed the Constitution. Samuel Adams corresponded

To Make All Necessary and Proper Laws: The Federal Farmer

Anti Federalist

To Make All Necessary and Proper Laws: The Federal Farmer

In this selection, Anti-Federalist writer, The Federal Farmer, expresses concern about the so-called "Elastic Clause" and the potential of it to create an unlimited government. August Glen-James, editor -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > But a congress of a different character will not be bound by the constitution to pay respect to those principles. It

A STUDIED BREVITY IN THE CONSTITUTION: THE FEDERAL FARMER

A STUDIED BREVITY IN THE CONSTITUTION: THE FEDERAL FARMER

In this post, the Anti-Federalist writer, The Federal Farmer, addressed an interesting concern that the authors of the Constitution assumed a common understanding of some principles and, therefore, did not include explanatory or specific definitions of certain items that could, perhaps, be misconstrued and abused. Here are his thoughts. August

For the General Welfare and Common Defense . . . Thoughts on Taxation

For the General Welfare and Common Defense . . . Thoughts on Taxation

The Anti-Federalists tried to draw attention to troubling provisions in the 1787 Constitution, one of which was the proposed power of taxation for the "general welfare and common defense" of the nation. John Smilie and "Brutus" make some observations on the subject. August Glen-James, editor -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > . . . it is the great