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The Rise of Republicanism: Balancing Power and Democracy in Early America

This overview explores the foundational elements of republicanism in early America, highlighting key figures like John Dickinson and Adam Smith. It examines concepts such as Republican Motherhood and the limited power of state governments to protect citizens' rights and liberties. Key historical documents, including the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, are discussed. The conflict between Federalists and Anti-Federalists shapes the debate over individual rights and central authority. This evolution set the stage for the inclusion of women and minorities in the democratic process through later amendments.

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The Rise of Republicanism: Balancing Power and Democracy in Early America

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Presentation Transcript

  1. The New Nation

  2. Debating Republicanism • Republic – Government where people rule through elected representatives • John Dickinson [D. Delaware] – R. should place the good of the nation above personal interests • Adam Smith [economist, philosopher] – R. benefits from self-interest & allows independent citizens to pursue own economic & political interests • Republican Motherhood – women to raise next gen. by teaching democratic values • 18th c. Americans thought democracy = too much power in hands of the uneducated masses

  3. State Constitutions • Gov leaders had limited power (fear of centralized authority) • Specific rights guaranteed for citizens: • Freedom of speech, religion, press • Emphasis on Liberty rather than Equality • Voting: • African Americans generally not allowed • (Some States) all white males can vote • MD – property ownership a req. • (Other States) Church Membership • NJ gave women right to vote until 1807

  4. One Thing the Articles did right: Land • Land Ordinance of 1785 – plan for surveying & selling fed. owned lands W. of Appalachian Mtns. • Northwest Ordinance of 1787: • Congress would appoint a territorial gov & judges • When territory reached 5k voters, settlers could write temp Constitution & elect own gov. • When total pop. reached 60k free inhabitants, settlers could write State Constitution, which Congress had to approve before granting statehood.

  5. Revising the Articles “What a triumph for out enemies… to find that we are incapable of governing ourselves.”

  6. Compromises of the Constitution • Arise from key conflicts: • Strong Central Government vs. Strong States • Authority from people/central gov over states vs. Authority from states • Electing the President • Large States vs. Small States • Roger Sherman’s “Great Compromise” • North vs. South • 3/5ths Compromise • Commerce Compromise

  7. Division of Powers • Federalism – system in which national gov and constituent units (i.e. state govs) share power • Divided the national and states government • Powers of the Federal Government (delegated or enumerated) • Control foreign affairs, provide for national defense, regulate trade between states, coin $ • Powers of the States (reserved) • Providing and supervising education, est marriage laws, regulating trade within state • Powers of Both (concurrent) • Tax, borrow money, pay debts, establish courts

  8. Wait… what? • American people not prepared for a new Constitution (expected amendments to Articles) • Were shocked when it was printed in newspapers • Voters were to elect a delegate to the Convention to reject/accept • Neatly bypassing State Legislatures

  9. Beginning of America’s Political Parties Federalists Anti-Federalists • Opposed strong central government • Gave long list of abuses by strong central government • Feared it would serve interests of privileged minority, ignore rights of the majority • How could a single gov manage a large country? • Supported New Constitution • Favored power balance between state & national government • Said division of powers/checks & balances would protect against tyranny from central authority

  10. Federalists • Supporters: • Urban Centers • Merchants • Skilled Workers • Laborers • Favored a national government to regulate trade • Small States, States w/ weak economies favored SCG to protect their interests

  11. Anti-Federalists • Supporters: • Rural Areas • People feared a SCG might add to tax burdens • Large States & states w/ strong economies [NY] had greater freedom under Articles • Laborers • Favored national government in trade regulation

  12. Second Class Citizens • Many Americans considered women & African Americans to be 2nd class citizens • Under the New Constitution: • Native Americans & Slaves excluded • Women not mentioned • Some N. States permitted free blacks to vote… • … but BoR offered NO protection against white discrimination & hostility • Expansion of democracy comes from later amendments • Women’s Movement & Civil Rights Movement brought aboutinclusion & equal protection under the law for both groups

  13. Second Class Citizens • Through organization & petitioning gov, raising awareness, excluded groups gained access to those rights previously withheld from them • Flexibility of U.S. Constitution makes it a model for other govs.

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