HIST136 American Revolution Consequences

Introduction to Revolutionary Governance

• Topic: Exploration of American Revolutionary ideals and governance.

• Importance of the American Revolution as a key to understanding social revolutions globally.

Context of the American Revolution

• Reference to the time before the storming of the Bastille (1789) and discussion of the founding figures.

• The creation of a government aiming for liberation while also controlling that liberation.

• Notable figures involved: Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison, who wrote under the pseudonym Publius in the "Federalist Papers" after completing the Constitution.

Major Philosophical Ideas

Capital Idea of Government

• Key Statement: In framing a government administered by men over men, the challenge lies in revolutionizing ideals while preventing tyranny.

• Historical context: 55,000 Americans died in the Revolution, showcasing the war's toll.

• The heart of the matter is about balancing idealism with practical governance.

Government as a Utility

• Tom Paine's thoughts on government as a necessary expedient for the people.

• Emphasis on not fetishizing government power; it is a means to an end, not an end itself.

Government Structure

Dual Nature of Governance

• Need for the government to control the governed while also having checks to prevent self-corruption.

• This is a paradoxical situation that challenges the initial revolutionary zeal within governance.

Insight into Revolutionary Figures

• The Founding Fathers were not just theorists but had firsthand experience with tyranny and governance.

• Their blend of knowledge from classical theorists like Aristotle, Plato, and their own revolutionary experiences shaped their governance.

The Constitutional Convention

• Washington's role: A critical figure who was persuaded to attend the meeting in Philadelphia, highlighting state disorganization post-Revolution.

• The Convention lasted effectively a semester, leading to the creation of the Constitution, the oldest written constitution in use today.

Key Principles of the Constitution

Aristotle's Influence

• Aristotle posits three forms of governance: monarchy (one), oligarchy (few), and democracy (many).

• Constitutional Structure: Combination of all three, reflecting practical government wisdom (phronesis).

  • Executive Branch: Represented by the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief.

  • Legislative Branch: Comprises the Senate (few) and the House of Representatives (many).

  • Judicial Branch: Serves as the review body for laws.

Separation of Powers

• Emphasis on preventing power from being concentrated in one branch through established checks and balances.

• Example of legislative control: Laws are made by Congress, executed by the President, and reviewed by the judiciary for constitutionality.

The U.S. Bill of Rights

• The first ten amendments to the Constitution embody the core principles of American liberty.

  • First Amendment: Fundamental rights including freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.

  • Second Amendment: Right to bear arms, emphasizing the importance of militia against oppression.

  • Third Amendment: Protection against quartering troops in private homes.

  • Fourth to Eighth Amendments: Safeguards against governmental abuse in legal proceedings and punishment.

Reflection on Human Nature

• Quote by James Madison: "If men were angels, no government would be necessary."

• Realization that human nature is both good and flawed leads to the necessity for a careful structure of governance.

• Acknowledgement that revolutions do not change fundamental human nature; they reorganize power structures.

Conclusion

• The American Revolution and subsequent governance sought to balance liberation with the control of power to prevent tyranny.

• The Constitution and Bill of Rights reflect a sober approach to governing, one built on both idealism and the experiences of past governance failures.