Refutation of the “Federal Farmer”: Timothy Pickering to Charles Tillinghast
Philadelphia, December 24, 1787
Following are excerpts from Timothy Pickering’s letter to Charles Tillinghast, refuting the “Federal Farmer”:
“In respect to the organization of the general government, the federal farmer, as well as other opposers, object to (more…)
Letters from the “Federal Farmer” to “The Republican”
New York, November 8, 1787
Following are excerpts from a series of letters published in New York, supposedly from the Federal Farmer to The Republican:
“A general convention for mere commercial purposes was moved for—the authors of this measure saw that the people’s attention was turned solely to the amendment of the federal system; (more…)
A Further Reply to Elbridge Gerry: “A Landholder” [Oliver Ellsworth] V
Connecticut Courant (Hartford), December 3, 1787
Following are excerpts from Oliver Ellsworth’s article, published in the Connecticut Courant:
“The vice-president is not an executive officer, while the president is in discharge of his duty; and when he is called to preside his legislative voice ceases. (more…)
Reply to Elbridge Gerry: “A Landholder” [Oliver Ellsworth] IV
Connecticut Courant (Hartford), November 26, 1787
Following are excerpts from Oliver Ellsworth’s article:
“Such a body of men might be an army to defend the country in case of foreign invasion, but not a legislature, and the expence to support them would equal the whole national revenue. (more…)
“Americanus” [John Stevens, Jr.] I
Daily Advertiser (New York), November 2, 1787
Following are excerpts from John Stevens, Jr.’s article in the Daily Advertiser:
“But, so prone is the spirit of man to party and faction, that even this admirable system will not prevent their mischievous efforts, in a state possessing a ‘small territory.’ (more…)
From the War of 1812 on, for the next few decades, the use of militias would become less and less prominent in America.
“Publius,” The Federalist I [Alexander Hamilton]
Independent Journal (New York), October 27, 1787
Following are excerpts from the Federalist I, written by Alexander Hamilton:
“The subject speaks its own importance; comprehending in its consequences, nothing less than the existence of the union, (more…)
Cato III
New York Journal, October 25, 1787
Following are excerpts from Cato III’s article in the New York Journal:
“The governments of Europe have taken their limits and form from adventitious circumstances, and nothing can be argued on the motive (more…)
The Nullification Crisis had an impact on the jurisprudence of American law, changing the interaction of the federal government with the states.
Read today’s Constitution Sunday in Russian.
Thomas Jefferson Replies to Madison
Paris, December 20, 1787
Following are excerpts from Thomas Jefferson’s letter to James Madison:
“I like the power given the Legislature to levy taxes, and for that reason solely approve of the greater house being chosen by the people (more…)
Last Best Hope of Earth 