Sunday, September 18, 2011

Federalsist Paper #85

     In Hamilton's final paper he made one last appeal for the ratification of the Constitution pointing out that he had tried to stay rational and reasonable in his arguments avoiding emotional responses and typical political rhetoric. (Modern politicians could sure learn a lesson from that!) He reiterates that the Constitution was not perfect, but it was good and probably the best that could be done under the circumstances of the times (perhaps any time). Because it was not perfect, the allowance for amendments had been made, and adding them in the future would be more easily accomplished. Making those changes before ratification would actually make it a new document that would have to be approved by each state. Whereas after ratification, amendments could be added with the approval of just nine states. Also, the original Constitution had many specific details and provisions making it difficult to accommodate everyone. It had to be written in a way that all parties would agree. Future amendments would be dealing with a single proposal - political maneuvering and compromise would not be necessary.  Glenn Beck reminds us that through this amendment process we have been able to fix some of the original problems (i.e. slavery, women's suffrage, not to mention the Bill of Rights).
     Hamilton's final point is that a nation must have a national government. Writing the Constitution during a time of peace with the time to develop it properly, rather than during a time of turmoil when decisions are made in haste, and with the voluntary consent of the people is a miracle. (And just one more reason why it is what it is and so important that we follow and restore the proper balance of power that was spelled out in it).
   

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