Would it work? It did work, I'm sold. Every argument put forth is exactly what it feels like we're dealing with now on the worst days, and every caveat seems to articulate my concerns with the people who would try and take the opportunity of a new constitution as a personal chance for more power, versus those who would oppose one because they don't want to lose power, with the people in the middle.
Putting the old time writing aside I think Hamilton, Jay and Madison all are excellent writers and, by extension speakers, so I think they could get the states to Unionize. The main difference that would be the primary divisor of a 50 state unionization is that the East Coast's states were joined by the hands of war and still fought and argued during the Articles of Confederation. So while I believe that their would be massive state confederacies, I think these three men's writing quality and rational explanations would be able to convince them to adopt at least an EU type situation.
Hamilton does highlight some valid critics at our current political parties in Fed. Paper #1. They often pull the "for the people" card which belittles how much corruption and corporate back bending the majority do.
[–] sactostar 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
I would like to reserve a spot to comment on this later. I have had a few drinks, and the language used in this document is more complex or eloquent that I am used to reading. Consider that most newspapers and televised news casts use language that a U.S. 5th grader can understand and comprehend. I do believe that I am smarter than a 5th grader, but in my semi-inebriated state, it takes more time than I have focus for. I feel slow.
[–] squiremarcus 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago (edited ago)
god fuking dammit. i totally forgot about quality posts like this, it has been so long i have seen nothing but memes and arguing
[–] Stanley_Yelnats_IV 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
I would have been in the anti-federalist camp, if only on the issue of the Bill of Rights (which was admittedly added as a concession).
Also, with the benefit of hindsight, I would have altered a few choice provisions to make them a bit more clear.
[–] Gamerdog6482 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
You have to understand, though, that the Constitution as was proposed by the federalists (and advocated in the Papers) did not include a Bill of Rights. The Jeffersonians weren't impressed by the Papers and only agreed to ratify the constitution if promise was made to pass the proposed amendments.
I'd argue that given our current situation discussing the Articles of Confederation would be more apt.
[–] Malek 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago
The Articles of Confederation were complete shit. People were in open rebellion against the Federal Government because they didn't get paid for their military service. Completely depending on the states for revenue without any power was a horrible idea.
I agree that the Jeffersonians were correct in adding a Bill of Rights but they brought no other alternatives to the table. The current system was not working and Hamilton, Jay, and Madison brought an idea that could have worked.
[–] Gamerdog6482 ago
The Articles failed because they relied upon the states to raise revenue, and the states didn't and couldn't do that.
In a modern, industrialized world it could easily be pulled off. Hell, the European Union was heavily influenced by the AoC, so it's not impossible.
[–] antiplebbitor ago
In a true negative-liberty document, enumeration of positive-rights is not only futile, but self-defeating. Why list explicit rights if the people retain all rights except those explicit powers granted to government?
I love the Constitution of the United States of America, but the Amendments are pretty shit in the negative-liberty sense. They also provide room for tyrants to erode those vast, expansive rights which are not explicitly/positively included...
[–] antiplebbitor ago
This will only be cool if you also post the Anti-Federalist Papers.
[–] ffkhrocks [S] 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Hadn't heard of the Anti-Federalist papers. But, history tends to be written by the victor so I suppose that makes sense. Link for the Anti-Federalist paper No.1 has been added to the post.
[–] oowensby 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
The Constitutional Convention debates and the Anti-Federalist Papers