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.

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

Federalist No. 10: An Analysis

Federalist No. 10: An Analysis

Federalist No. 10 was written by James Madison in November 1787 and was a continuation of Federalist No. 9, written by Alexander Hamilton. The theme of both numbers was “The Utility of the Union as a Safeguard against Domestic Factions and Insurrection.” What follows is an analysis of Federalist No.

How Free Governments are to be framed so as to last, and how they differ from such as are arbitrary: John Trenchard, Cato’s Letters, No. 61, 13 Jan. 1721

How Free Governments are to be framed so as to last, and how they differ from such as are arbitrary: John Trenchard, Cato’s Letters, No. 61, 13 Jan. 1721

Although written with the English government in mind, this selection addresses principles that apply to all forms of government and all office seekers. Often, works like this don't necessarily reveal something unknown to the reader. Most accept the occurrence of political corruption; however, the eloquence of a gifted author's expression

An Enquiry into the Nature and Extent of Liberty: John Trenchard, 20 Jan. 1721--Cato's Letters, No. 62

An Enquiry into the Nature and Extent of Liberty: John Trenchard, 20 Jan. 1721--Cato's Letters, No. 62

Civil society arises in the nexus between principle and policy, and what that society becomes through policy seems often to reflect its principles and philosophical assumptions. This selection investigates the assumption, principle, and concept of liberty according to the thoughts of John Trenchard. In this essay, readers will find some

"Common Sense" by Thomas Paine: Excerpts

"Common Sense" by Thomas Paine: Excerpts

One of the best known literary works from the Revolutionary War is Thomas Paine's Common Sense. Most know Paine by name but few, in my experience, have actually read Common Sense; consequently, this post contains a number of excerpts from the work that will at least expose readers to many

"Mr. Jefferson's Opinions"

"Mr. Jefferson's Opinions"

This is extracted from a letter from Mr. Jefferson to Major Cartwright, dated June 5, 1824, from Monticello and addresses the relationship between the states and the federal government. August Glen-James, editor -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > They are co-ordinate departments of one simple and integral whole. With respect to our state and federal

The Power of Citizens to Avoid Political Collapse: Thoughts by Benjamin Lincoln, Jr. 1784-1786

The Power of Citizens to Avoid Political Collapse: Thoughts by Benjamin Lincoln, Jr. 1784-1786

Benjamin Lincoln, Jr. was the son of Revolutionary War general, Benjamin Lincoln. He wrote ten essays between 1784 and 1786 on subjects that the editors of this work, referenced below the selection, believe "grew out of a conversation that Massachusetts people were having about the problem of a bicameral legislature

John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Partisan Rivalry

John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Partisan Rivalry

According to James Madison [https://rawhistory.com/tag/james-madison/] (Federalist No. 10), factions, i.e., political parties, as we generally understand them, are essentially a by-product of freedom. To the degree that a free people have differing opinions about policies and procedures, they coalesce into political parties. "The inference to