What were the Issues in 1787? The Constitution

The “Great National Discussion”: The Discourse of Politics in 1787 by Isaac Kramnick - political scientist at Cornell University…. Explores the problems that the language of 1787 presents if we are to understand what the Framers sought and what they achieved. 1. Liberalism 2. Civic Republicanism 3. Protestantism Work Ethic 4. Industry

Four Paradigms at work 1.Liberalism 2. Civic Republicanism The belief that the purpose of government is to set individuals free to make the most of themselves…This may be what Jefferson meant by “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness…” 2. Civic Republicanism A pattern of thought that reached back from Revolutionary America to England in the 17th century…the central point that a good citizens find the fullness of being human not by pursuing self-interest but rather by taking part in something much larger, even if it means self-sacrifice… Men can create their own governments from reflection and choice Reflection = “Civic Republicanism” 3. Protestantism Work-Ethic Also seen as a “virtuous republicanism” This found virtue less in public political activity than in private qualities such as “industry, frugality, and economy.” Self-reflection 4. The Language of Power and Glory An awareness among Americans that the future looked bright

Reality The whole point – the meaning (actual meaning) of the Constitution contradicts the words – The new Liberty Equality All words from the ENLIGHTENMENT Not all were equal Not all were worthy Not everyone was suited for life, liberty and prosperity (land ownership)

Federalist Paper #1 Uses words such as: “Americans were proving that men could create their own governments from ‘reflection bad choice,’ instead of forever having to depend in ‘accident and force.’”

Civic Humanism and Liberalism in the Constitution and Its Critics The Constitution reflects the language of the time: 18th century ideals: the Enlightenment and Puritanical combined…. To live in a Civic Manor – the Civic Humanistic Tradition Civic life is what is important The language of Republican Virtue Still Puritan in our roots The Federalist tendency was to depict America in amoral terms as an enlarged nation that transcended local community and moral conviction as a focus of politics The Federalists seemed to glory in an individualistic and competitive America, which was preoccupied with private rights and personal autonomy – this is associated w/ James Madison more than any other America is Greatly influenced by John Locke The idea of Justice Checks and balances….Madison called “umpires” Locke is very Liberal…personal rights, and most dramatically, RIGJTS to property James Madison is considered to be the Father of the Constitution Promoted a heterogeneous community where all are NOT the same He believed that the only way to protect the rights of minorities was to enlarge the political sphere and thereby divide the community into so great of interests and parties, that in the first place a majority will not be likely at the same moment to have a common interest separate from that of the whole of the minority; and in the 2nd place, that in case they should have such an interest, they may not be apt to unite in the pursuit of it. AntiFederalists…fears over the absence of homogeneity

AntiFederalists Held that religion was crucial – a crucial support of government Richard Henry Lee Religion is the guardian of morals Exchange principles of commercial society as threats to civic and moral virtue The problem for many Antis was the inadequacy of its vision of community based on mere interests and their protection…a proper Republican community required similarity, familiarity, and fraternity