10 Matching Annotations
  1. Dec 2020
  2. resources.utulsa.edu resources.utulsa.edu
    AntiFederalist No. 2
    2
    1. elizabethmorris 08 Dec 2020
      There are two opinions prevailing in the world -- the one, that mankind can only be governed by force; the other, that they are capable of freedom and a good government. Under a supposition that mankind can govern themselves, I would recommend that the present Confederation should be amended. Give Congress the regulation of commerce. Infuse new strength and spirit into the state governments; for, when the component parts are strong, it will give energy to the government, although it be otherwise weak....

      A main concern of the anti federalists was people's individual liberty being threatened. William Grayson isn't suggesting abolishing government but suggesting that their power should be lessened in order to maintain ones freedom. By showing both opinions and both sides to one story it creates less of a bias for audience members how may not be completely swayed one sided or the other, and his point of view being from not solely his already constructed opinion.

    2. elizabethmorris 08 Dec 2020
      Were the Eastern States willing to enter into this measure? Were they willing to accede to the proposal of Virginia? In what manner was it received? Connecticut revolted at the idea. The Eastern States, sir, were unwilling to recommend a meeting of a convention. They were well aware of the dangers of revolutions and changes.

      The speaker ( William Grayson) brings up a major concern for the new form of government, being will every state's opinion be considered equally? Previously, Hamilton has attempted to make alliances with the wealthy and has been biased towards the north eastern states compared to the southern. Grayson raises this by posing questions and immediately responding, essentially saying the answer is no, not every state's opinion was respected

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    resources.utulsa.edu/law/classes/rice/Constitutional/AntiFederalist/02.htm
  3. resources.utulsa.edu resources.utulsa.edu
    AntiFederalist No. 55
    3
    1. elizabethmorris 08 Dec 2020
      how far this house of representatives will be liable to be formed into private juntas, how far influenced by expectations of appointments and offices, how far liable to be managed by the president and senate, and how far the people will have confidence in them....

      The author incorporated the use of the rhetorical strategy anaphora here. He repeats "how.." multiple times to leave the audience feeling doubtful of the current government. Driving home his point of the uncertainty and unfairness that will continue unless something changes. In order to sway an audience or simply make them second guess their opinion he spoke from the past present and future perspectives, covering all the ground so the audience does not have to leave any ideas they have up to chance .

    2. elizabethmorris 08 Dec 2020
      These general observations will enable you to discern what I intend by different classes, and the general scope of my ideas, when I contend for uniting and balancing their interests, feelings, opinions, and views in the legislature. We may not only so unite and balance these as to prevent a change in the government by the gradual exaltation of one part to the depression of others, but we may derive many other advantages from the combination and full representation.

      The author's purpose is depicted perfectly in these couple sentences. Instead of just speaking of or about these worries (balancing interests, feelings, etc..) he names them outright in a list. This compels the audience to think over the list and realize whether or not they have the same end goal as the author. He is portraying himself as a true man of the people, someone to depend on .

    3. elizabethmorris 08 Dec 2020
      Yet even here, I conceive, that very great improvements in representation may be made. In fixing this branch, the situation of the people must be surveyed, and the number of representatives and forms of election apportioned to that situation. When we find a numerous people settled in a fertile and extensive country, possessing equality, and few or none of them oppressed with riches or wants, it ought to be the anxious care of the constitution and laws, to arrest them from national depravity, and to preserve them in their happy condition. A virtuous people make just laws, and good laws tend to preserve unchanged a virtuous people. A virtuous and happy people by laws uncongenial to their characters, may easily be gradually changed into servile and depraved creatures. Where the people, or their representatives, make the laws, it is probable they will generally be fitted to the national character and circumstances, unless the representation be partial, and the imperfect substitute of the people.

      Author is continuing the theme of noticing unequal representation and advocating for equal representation. The purpose of this statement is to highlight the idea of a domino effect, the people make laws then they are happy, bur if the representatives make laws it won't represent everyone. An analogy like this one supports his purpose and his short term goals, while delivering the information."The Federal Farmer" challenged his audience to make the connection on their own.

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    resources.utulsa.edu/law/classes/rice/Constitutional/AntiFederalist/55.htm
  4. guides.loc.gov guides.loc.gov
    Research Guides: Federalist Papers: Primary Documents in American History: Federalist Nos. 31-40
    5
    1. elizabethmorris 07 Dec 2020
      So far the national countenance of the government on this side seems to be disfigured by a few federal features. But this blemish is perhaps unavoidable in any plan; and the operation of the government on the people, in their individual capacities, in its ordinary and most essential proceedings, may, on the whole, designate it, in this relation, a NATIONAL government.

      Madison weighs the pros and cons of national vs. federal and acknowledges that every plan will have flaws. The sense of reality in his statement makes him see relatable and not as a man of high power in the government but a citizen (like his audience.) This will ultimately support his purpose

    2. elizabethmorris 07 Dec 2020
      The same title has been bestowed on Venice, where absolute power over the great body of the people is exercised, in the most absolute manner, by a small body of hereditary nobles. Poland, which is a mixture of aristocracy and of monarchy in their worst forms, has been dignified with the same appellation. The government of England, which has one republican branch only, combined with an hereditary aristocracy and monarchy, has, with equal impropriety, been frequently placed on the list of republics. These examples, which are nearly as dissimilar to each other as to a genuine republic, show the extreme inaccuracy with which the term has been used in political disquisitions.

      By providing examples of other countries and their own takes on what a republic is, Madison is exercising the concept of "republic" being a loosely used term. In doing so, it reassures the audience that although the term can be interpreted in different ways, Madison has a very specific idea of the number of branches he wants, the type of republic he wants, and who should elect such officials. This makes Madison come off as well versed, credible, and confident.

    3. elizabethmorris 07 Dec 2020
      It is evident that no other form would be reconcilable with the genius of the people of America; with the fundamental principles of the Revolution; or with that honorable determination which animates every votary of freedom, to rest all our political experiments on the capacity of mankind for self-government.

      Madison wanted to achieve a republican form of government which he believed would uphold the current standards and morals of the American people. Madison repeats his word choice to make a more impactful statement and poses a question in the previous sentence to prompt his audience to think about why or why not they may agree with his claim.

    4. elizabethmorris 07 Dec 2020
      In this relation, then, the new Constitution will, if established, be a FEDERAL, and not a NATIONAL constitution.

      The overall purpose of this document is to convince the people of New York to ratify the Constitution. Specifically, Madison writes about the separation of national and federal powers and the separation of state and federal powers.

    5. elizabethmorris 07 Dec 2020
      Author: James Madison To the People of the State of New York:

      Author / Speaker is James Madison, who was in support of centralizing the government . The Audience is the people of New York

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    guides.loc.gov/federalist-papers/text-31-40