What were the major arguments that surfaced in opposition to the new Constitution proposed in 1787? How did supporters of the Constitution counter those arguments? Before the Constitution was proposed in 1787, under the Articles of Confederation, there was no control of the country; debt was piling up and there was no enforcement of taxes. Many arguments surfaced in opposition to the new Constitution, but the main concern had to do with the concept of a “president” where there was a single executive leader and centralized government, and that there was no bill of rights. Supporters of the constitution countered these arguments by adding some safeguards in some cases and also by thoroughly explaining the limited powers that the leader and government would have and the necessity for a strong central government.
The main weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation are that it legislated for states but not for individuals. Congress had no power to tax or regulate trade. It lacked power to control commerce. And it was too difficult to change any of the articles. Then the Constitution was put into place 1787 to overthrow the Articles of Confederation.
(Davidson et al., 2008) The anti-imperialist had much to say about the expansion of America to foreign soils. They did not feel it was right to march in and take what did not rightfully belong to the United States. Causing bloodshed was not a way to take control over another country if at all. They were upset to see that Americans felt it was their right through God to reach out and teach the heathens religion and step in to control on racial grounds that “white Arians” were the dominating race. “The United States have always protested against the doctrine of international law which permits the subjugation of the weak by the strong.
On January 10,1776, Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense’’ is published in Philadephia. This 50 page pamphlet is highly critical of King George III and it attacks allegiance to Monarchy in principle while it provided strong documents for American independence. “We have it in our power to begin the world anew.. American shall make a stand, not for herself alone, but for the world,” Paine states and due to continuing actions of the Parliament, many who disliked it, such a Thomas Paine, had been tired of it. Members of the Philadelphia Congress, instructed by their respective colonies, gradually edged toward a clean break; on June 7, 1776, fiery Richard Henry Lee of Virginia moved that “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states…” after considerable debate, the motion was adopted nearly a month later, on July 2, 1776. The passing of Lee’s resolution was the formal “declaration” of independence by the American colonies and technically this was all that was needed to cut the British tie.
They disagreed on virtually all aspects of domestic and foreign policy and much of the President's energies were spent in mediating their differences. The Federalist Party; was a party of individuals that include leaders like Alexander Hamilton who advocated for a strong central government and had great business interests. The Federalists beliefs were that they supported the new Constitution of the United States, they believed in a strong national government with powers over the states, also they favored protective tariffs to enable American industry to develop, favored collection of taxes from the states and favored a strong military to protect the nation. However, the Democratic – Republican party led by Thomas Jefferson believed that the Constitution should be strictly interpreted and that the individual states and citizens should retain as many of their powers and rights as possible. These two parties got into many debates about who had the better ideas for the government and say that which party should be dominant or to have total power in the government.
Moreover, the Federalist and Democratic-Republicans differed in their views on foreign affairs. As the war in Europe between Britain and France carried on, the United States was put into a dilemma about what to do. In a letter to Eliot Brown, Thomas Jefferson said “the embargo, giving time to the belligerent powers to revise their unjust proceedings…while these edicts are in force, no American can ever consent to a return of peaceable intercourse with those who maintain them”. To keep the United States out of the war between the two European nations, Thomas Jefferson, who was a Democratic-Republican, enforced the embargo act which did not allow trade for the United States.
Republicans vs. Federalists Abby Weigel THE # 4 The Federalist and the Democratic-Republicans were two political parties that were formed in the 1790’s, due to the debate and controversies of the new government. Fighting between these two political groups was focused more on their views of democracy, government power, the economy, and foreign affairs. The Government/Democracy, the Economics, and Foreign affairs were the subjects that caused all the heated debates and arguments between the two political parties. The Federalists supported a totally different form of government than the Republicans. The Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, favored a strong central government who had the power to tax, make treaties, control exports/imports, and declare war.
Rise of the Whig Party Jackson's strong personality and controversial ways incited the development of an opposition party, the Whigs. Their name echoes British history, In Great Britain, the Whigs were the party opposed to a strong monarch. By calling themselves Whigs, Jackson's enemies labeled him a king. And they held firm in their opposition to "King Andrew" and his hated policies. During this period (1820-1850), more offices became elective, voter restrictions were reduced or eliminated (for white male adults), and popular participation in politics increased.
France said that John Jay’s treaty with the British violated the Franco-American alliance made during the War of Independence. In public, France rejected the US, though secretly sent three agents, known as X, Y, and Z, to request that the Americans pay a huge bribe to start the negotiations. President Adams revealed the “XYZ Affair” to the American public in April of 1798. The people’s response was the slogan, “millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute.” Worrying about war with France made the government create the Navy and increase the size of the Army. American ships were authorized to attack any French vessels harassing them.
Not only did they risk their own lives and land, they risked those of their families and neighbors. Thomas Paine pressured people to see the extent of the monarchy threatening them. Another revolutionary radical, Patrick Henry, stood up for liberty against the evil acts of Britain. Freethinkers like John Locke, John Toland, Matthew Tindal and other freethinkers and deists led the battle in Britain against state-sponsored religion, and led the fight for civil liberty (Ritcheson). Conservative, these men were not.