Brutus 1

Excerpt 1

We are in the middle of a very important time in our country's political future. The government under the Articles has been too weak to handle some pressing concerns.

A convention has been called to address these issues and you have the duty of voting for or against this new constitution.

Excerpt 2

If you vote in favor of the new government and it turns out to be a good one, you will lay a solid foundation for the country that will lead to the happiness and prosperity of future generations.

Excerpt 3

However, if you vote for the new government and it violates liberty and supports tyranny, future generations will blame you. In other words, you have a big decision to make.

Excerpt 4

People are insisting the new constitution be approved. But remember, once people give up power, it is difficult to ever get it back. Be careful how much power you give to the government.

Excerpt 5

We must consider whether a confederation is the best form of government. While the new government isn't entirely controlled at the national level, it comes pretty close. States may very well no longer hold any significant power.

Excerpt 6

The national government has been given extensive legislative, executive, and judicial powers.

The "necessary and proper" clause and supremacy clause give the central government tremendous power that the states won't be able to control or limit. All state laws must fall in line with the central government.

Excerpt 7

Even though the central government is technically limited in its power, the amount and types of power left to the states is insignificant.

Excerpt 8

The legislature has been given a significant number of important powers, including the ability to make all laws necessary and proper to carrying out their expressed powers. They can, and likely will, overtake the power of the states, because they will view the states as a roadblock to their control.

Before you know it, only the central government will exist. It's human nature to continually increase the power you've been given.

Excerpt 9

The authority to levy and collect taxes is the most important power and in the new constitution, the federal government has all the power, while the states are severely limited.

Excerpt 10

The federal legislature's power to raise and maintain an army shows not only strong centralized power, but may very well lead the destruction of liberty.

Excerpt 11

The power of the federal courts will overshadow the limited power of the state courts.

Excerpt 12

Congress has almost unlimited power to levy taxes.

They decide what is necessary for the common defense and general welfare, so it is difficult to place restrictions.

Excerpt 13

According to the opinions of wise men, along with historical evidence, the conclusion can be drawn that a free republic cannot exist on a large scale with a large population, such as the United States. When the Greeks and Romans expanded their empires, they turned from free republics into tyrannies.

Excerpt 14

In order to have a free government, the people must consent to the laws of the land.

If a country is to have representatives, they must be able to accurately and honestly express the views of the people.

However, in such a large country, it will be impossible for representatives to truly know and express the public's desires.

Excerpt 15

The United States is too large and diverse to operate as a free republic, which should have similar interests. The states are too different and representatives will never be able to agree. This will make it nearly impossible for the government to make decisions and act in the public's favor.

Excerpt 16

In a free republic, a standing army should never be necessary to carry out laws.

The government should have the support of the people.

Excerpt 17

In a large republic, the people would know few of their representatives, which would lead to a lack of confidence in their leaders.

If they lack confidence in their legislature, they will question their actions and the laws they pass, which would likely lead to military force. That is the last thing we want in our government.

Excerpt 18

The legislature cannot be large enough to handle the diverse needs of its citizens.

Even if it were, they wouldn't have time to address all the needs that would constantly be developing.

Excerpt 19

In a large republic, officials will soon abuse their power and be unaccountable to the people. The power will attract corrupt men, who will use it for their own interests and ambition. It will be impossible to hold them accountable.