Founding Era - Raw History (Page 2)

Founding Era

As this site is dedicated to obscure works and lesser known authors, it does not seek to construct comprehensive histories of any subject. Consequently, many excerpts will be from minority or contrarian views. Many of the tags for the Founding Era page will be from Anti-Federalists or other obscure sources that address popular political ideas of the time in order to create a deeper and more complete understanding of the Founding Era.

Reserved and Delegated Constitutional Powers: Thoughts by James Wilson, 6 October 1787.

Reserved and Delegated Constitutional Powers: Thoughts by James Wilson, 6 October 1787.

When the 1787 Constitution was conveyed to the States for consideration, many arguments erupted between those who favored and those who opposed ratification of the document. One of the first arguments to garner attention was the absence of a bill of rights in the Constitution. James Wilson addressed this issue

Thomas Jefferson to Justice William Johnson: Thoughts on the Difference Between America's Political Parties, 12 June 1823.

Thomas Jefferson to Justice William Johnson: Thoughts on the Difference Between America's Political Parties, 12 June 1823.

Thomas Jefferson, believing that the United States had already lost its way and was descending into "monarchism" under Federalist leadership, ran for President in 1800. He won and characterized the victory as a revolution in service of republican principles. Of course, Jefferson's "revolution" didn't end partisan politics. This post highlights

Society and the Perniciousness of Sub-Societies: Thoughts by John Taylor of Caroline, 1818

Society and the Perniciousness of Sub-Societies: Thoughts by John Taylor of Caroline, 1818

In a work entitled, "Agriculture and the Militia," John Taylor addressed the topic of Slavery. In one part of the subject, he addressed the purposes of society and the problems associated with "sub-societies." Although, not a name known to many today (as opposed to Thomas Jefferson or Patrick Henry, etc.

Interpreting the Constitution: Thoughts by Thomas Jefferson, 1803

Interpreting the Constitution: Thoughts by Thomas Jefferson, 1803

Writing to Wilson Cary Nicholas, 7 September 1803, Thomas Jefferson articulated his thoughts about the power grants of the Constitution and remediation when found lacking. Written within the context of the Louisiana Purchase, Jefferson defended the acquisition, which was under attack by his political opponents, on the basis of the

An Independent Judiciary: Thoughts by William Cranch, 12 December 1801

An Independent Judiciary: Thoughts by William Cranch, 12 December 1801

Entitled, “A Friend of the Constitution,” William Cranch penned this for the Washington Federalist. It has some interesting points about the virtues inherent in an independent judiciary and the vices that may issue from judicial dependence. Pieces like this often, however, beg the question as to whether, given human and

Husbandry versus Manufacturing: Thoughts by Thomas Jefferson from "Notes on the State of Virginia," 1785

Husbandry versus Manufacturing: Thoughts by Thomas Jefferson from "Notes on the State of Virginia," 1785

Is there a divide between the character and culture of rural and urban populations? Does agriculture produce a certain type of person . . . less corruptible and venal than one involved in manufacturing or trade? Thomas Jefferson would answer yes to both questions. This excerpt explores Jefferson's thoughts about the subject from

Thomas Jefferson to Spencer Roane, 6 Sept. 1819, Concerning the Supreme Court

Thomas Jefferson to Spencer Roane, 6 Sept. 1819, Concerning the Supreme Court

It's not surprising that current U.S. citizens argue and disagree over the meaning and intentions of the Constitution; however, it is peculiar that the generation that produced the document also argued over its meaning and interpretation. The interest inherent in this excerpt is how Thomas Jefferson views the separation

On the Workings of Congress: Fisher Ames to George Richards Minot, 1792

On the Workings of Congress: Fisher Ames to George Richards Minot, 1792

It is sometimes said that "the more things change, the more they stay the same." That is apropos for this post. If one were to watch the debates and bickering in any congress or parliament around the world, they might be able to write the same type of letter as

What is the Extent of a Citizen's Property Rights: Thoughts by James Madison, 1792

What is the Extent of a Citizen's Property Rights: Thoughts by James Madison, 1792

James Madison authored a number of Essays (anonymously) for the National Gazette. At this juncture in American history, the acrimony between the first political parties (Federalists--Adams and Hamilton; Democratic-Republicans--Jefferson and Madison) was becoming heightened. Both parties founded newspapers in order to convey their ideas to the public. The Federalists founded

Consolidation of the States: Thoughts by James Madison, 1791

Consolidation of the States: Thoughts by James Madison, 1791

James Madison authored a number of Essays (anonymously) for the National Gazette. At this juncture in American history, the acrimony between the first political parties (Federalists--Adams and Hamilton; Democratic-Republicans--Jefferson and Madison) was becoming heightened. Both parties founded newspapers in order to convey their ideas to the public. The Federalists founded

The General Welfare Clause of Article I, Section 8, U.S. Constitution: Thoughts by Thomas Jefferson, 1817

The General Welfare Clause of Article I, Section 8, U.S. Constitution: Thoughts by Thomas Jefferson, 1817

On June 16, 1817, Thomas Jefferson penned a letter to Albert Gallatin addressing what he termed the "only landmark which now divides the federalists from the republicans." The landmark dealt with the interpretation of the phrase "to lay taxes, to pay the debts, and to provide for the general welfare"

George Washington: Thoughts on Political Parties, 1796

George Washington: Thoughts on Political Parties, 1796

Most people are familiar with Washington's admonition in his Farewell Address to avoid foreign entanglements; however, the scope of said address is multifaceted. Washington also had something to say about political parties. This excerpt highlights Washington's thoughts about the subject. August Glen-James, editor -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- From Washington’s Farewell Address, September

James Madison: Thoughts from Federalist 37, Select Quotes

James Madison: Thoughts from Federalist 37, Select Quotes

The Federalist Papers were written, primarily by James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, to both advocate for and sell the Constitution of 1787, and counter the arguments of the Anti-Federalists, so-called. The Federalist Papers give unique insights into the processes that produced the Constitution of the United States and unpack a

The Virginia & Kentucky Resolves, 1798-99, By Madison and Jefferson--Extended Summary

The Virginia & Kentucky Resolves, 1798-99, By Madison and Jefferson--Extended Summary

Background: Anticipating war with France, the Federalist-dominated congress (the Federalist party being led by Alexander Hamilton and John Adams) enacted, and President John Adams signed into law, four acts between June 18 and July 14, 1798 known as the Alien and Sedition Acts. The “alien” portion of the acts authorized

Thomas Jefferson on the Relationship between the State Governments and the Federal Government.

Thomas Jefferson on the Relationship between the State Governments and the Federal Government.

This selection is an extract from a letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to Major Cartwright, dated June 5, 1824. Of interest is how Jefferson decsribes the relationship between the State governments and the federal government coupled with the process for conflict resolution via a convention of States. August Glen-James, editor They

Republican Society of the Town of Newark (New Jersey): Newark Gazette—19 March 1794

Republican Society of the Town of Newark (New Jersey): Newark Gazette—19 March 1794

Here is an interesting read from the era that produced America's first party struggles in the wake of the Constitution's ratification and implementation. August Glen-James, editor -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > It must be the mechanics and farmers or the poorer class of people (as they are generally called) that must support the freedom

"The Spirit of Governments," Essay by James Madison for the "National Gazette," 18 February 1792--excerpt

"The Spirit of Governments," Essay by James Madison for the "National Gazette," 18 February 1792--excerpt

“No government is perhaps reducible to a sole principle of operation,” Madison wrote. Rather, he theorized, “different and often heterogeneous principles mingle their influence in the administration” of government. Madison’s essay for the National Gazette, from which this post comes, is in reference to Montesquieu’s assertion that fear,

Thomas Jefferson on Emancipation: Excerpt from "Notes on the State of Virginia" (1785)

Thomas Jefferson on Emancipation: Excerpt from "Notes on the State of Virginia" (1785)

Though he owned slaves (perhaps upward of 600 through the course of his life by inheritance and natural increase), Thomas Jefferson disliked the institution and hoped for its gradual extinguishment. The original draft of the Declaration of Independence contained an attack on slavery. It was removed by a committee decision

A Strict or Loose Interpretation of the Constitution: Jefferson v. Hamilton--February 1791

A Strict or Loose Interpretation of the Constitution: Jefferson v. Hamilton--February 1791

The development and ratification of the 1787 Constitution was a polarizing event. The document itself was a hard-fought compromise in the Convention with some notable attendees refusing to sign it. Then, upon its promulgation to the several States, factions arose to support and oppose its ratification. Opponents of the Constitution

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

"The Futility of Educating the Indians"--Thoughts by Benjamin Franklin, 1753

"The Futility of Educating the Indians"--Thoughts by Benjamin Franklin, 1753

This is an interesting title, to be sure; however, the content of this excerpt will reveal that it is only "futile" to try to make Englishman of the "Indians" who, of course, had their own means of educating their youth. Franklin observed how unsuccessful the English had been in converting

The Constitution without a Bill of Rights: Thoughts by Roger Sherman, November 22, 1787

The Constitution without a Bill of Rights: Thoughts by Roger Sherman, November 22, 1787

When the Constitutional Convention had done its work and the Constitution was conveyed to the several States for consideration, some rose to support and others to oppose the document via convention debates, newspaper editorials and the like. In general, supporters were known as Federalists and opponents Anti-Federalists. One Anti-Federalist criticism

"The Crisis" from A British Defense of American Rights, 1775-1776--Installment 1.

The Crisis was a weekly publication that first appeared in January 1775. Its declared purpose was to oppose what the then anonymous authors (identified today, most probably, as William Stewardson, Philip Thicknesse, and Thomas Shaw) saw as government corruption and tyranny being overseen by George IIIs court. The publication’s

Of the Original Contract: David Hume, 1752

Of the Original Contract: David Hume, 1752

Contract theory is tantamount to American constitutionalism and is central to the founding of the United States. In essence, contract theory means government by consent. In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, channeling authors like John Locke, wrote that “all men are created equal” and “endowed” with the “unalienable Rights”

Edmund Burke: Speech on Conciliation with the Colonies,
22 Mar. 1775*

Edmund Burke: Speech on Conciliation with the Colonies, 22 Mar. 1775*

An Analysis by August Glen-James -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By March 1775, the British situation in the Colonies was growing daily more tense; the first shots of the American Revolution were less than a month away. Edmund Burke, in response to this crisis, delivered a speech in Parliament wherein he said, “I do