Founding Era - Raw History (Page 2)

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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.

Novanglus No. I: The Revolutionary Doctrines of John Adams, 1774

Novanglus No. I: The Revolutionary Doctrines of John Adams, 1774

Writing as "Massachusettensis" in the Massachusetts Gazette, Daniel Leonard argued that Parliament had a constitutional right to exercise authority over the American colonies. The denial of this "right" was the central theme of America's revolutionaries; consequently, writing as "Novanglus," John Adams countered

"A Signal Advantage of Taxes on Articles of Consumption." Thoughts by Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 21, Dec. 12, 1787.

"A Signal Advantage of Taxes on Articles of Consumption." Thoughts by Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 21, Dec. 12, 1787.

After postulating that the Articles of Confederation committed a “fundamental error” in “principle” by attempting to regulate “the contributions of the States to the common treasury by QUOTAS,” Hamilton opined about the difficulty in determining a “common standard or barometer” by which the degrees of national wealth can be gauged.

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

The Spirit of Liberty Ought to be Jealous: Thoughts by John Adams, 9 & 16 February, 1767

The Spirit of Liberty Ought to be Jealous: Thoughts by John Adams, 9 & 16 February, 1767

The French and Indian War completely changed the relationship between Great Britain and its American colonies. The era prior to this conflict has been characterized by historians as one of "salutary neglect." Broadly speaking, salutary neglect means that the various revenue laws and acts (e.g., the Navigation

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

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

The Nature of the Union under the Proposed Constitution: Thoughts by Samuel Tenney, 1788, Writing as "Alfredus."

The Nature of the Union under the Proposed Constitution: Thoughts by Samuel Tenney, 1788, Writing as "Alfredus."

It is always central to historical literacy to apprehend how the generations who lived through and/or forged major historical events understood the various issues of such momentous times. The history surrounding the ratification of the Constitution of the United States is of particular interest since, over time, parties have

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&

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

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

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

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

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

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’

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)

"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