Slide 2 WestCal Political Science 5 Western Political Thought 2016

West Coast American Leadership Academy

Political Science 5 – Western Political Thought

Spring 2016 / Fall 2016 – Power Point 2

1. American Persona

2. Classical & Modern Political Thought

3. Organic Roots Of America

4. John Locke’s “Second Treatise”

5. Capitalism And Democracy Are Similar

6. Cinemocracy

7. Elite Inspiration For Our Government

Course Lecture Topics

American Persona (1)

America has enjoyed a comparable advantage in terms of its

continental location. It has been insulated from major powers

by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and bordered between two

friendly neighbors, Canada and Mexico, who are heavily

dependent on the well-being of its neighbor. Over the course

of the early federalist period of the U.S., realism remained the

prevalent form of political thinking among American

statesmen. The basic underpinnings of the early nation

sensed the apparent dangers of the great European powers

reigning at the time, including an outright acceptance over the

fact that the young republic was in constant danger of attack,

never to escape the crosshairs of foreign politics.


Over the course of the early federalist period of the U.S.,

realism remained the prevalent form of political thinking among

American statesmen. The basic underpinnings of the early

nation sensed the apparent dangers of the great European

powers reigning at the time, including an outright acceptance

over the fact that the young republic was in constant danger of

attack, never to escape the crosshairs of foreign politics.

America’s leaders from past to present have maintained a

cosmopolitan belief system. This entails viewing the power

position of the United States from the eyes of foreign powers.

public policy makers for the most part maintain a cosmopolitan

belief system.


Embedded within the American persona is a belief that the

U.S. was not solely an experiment in republican government,

but a nation blessed with superior principles and institutions,

which in time would be adopted throughout the world.

American policy makers have maintained an idealist ideology

in order to formulate foreign, as well as domestic policy,

though its foreign policy is based inherently on realist dogma.

U.S. foreign policy is thus utilized as an avenue in which to

promote American ideals, combining practical capacity for

realizing the evils of man, yet continuing to remain devoted to

the idealistic notions of the American success story.


America’s political wisdom grew rapidly following its inception as an

independent nation. The country never lost sight of its political

insight, historic perspective and the common sense approach of the

American spirit in relation to its standing among other nations.

Maintaining a quest for simplistic solutions in disregard of

concurrent external forces is a trait of the American persona.

Relations among neighbors in the international system are focused

on an unbridled philanthropy through apparent selfish inward

improvement, as a training method for world improvement.

Accordingly, it is idealism that promotes unbounded philosophical

philanthropy as a selfish desire of American policy. In more extreme

terms, idealism promotes the notion that the U.S., through its

coaching of nation states, serves as the premiere example that if

followed, will produce unbridled prosperity for all.

Classical Political Thought

Aristotle states that inherent within man’s natural state of being,

there exist different roles that are designated according to the need

of any community. Special virtues are rewarded to those who accept

their roles without question, beginning with those terms identified by

Aristotle in the household, where the roles of husbands, wives,

children and slaves are defined. Roles are assigned, for no man is

able to exercise the same talents while producing exact levels of

quality in their finished work (Politics, Book 1, Chapter 4, 1253b1).

As the polis consists of citizens with enough leisure time to

participate in government functions, it is the citizenry that

determines those roles to be filled. Government itself has no

emotions, or soul. Rather, it is the political activism of a few elites

according to Aristotle that makes all government decisions.

Modern Political Thought

Classical liberalism refers to the beginning in terms of a

historical rendition of the periods capable of being identified in

which man existed. John Locke is recognized as being one of

the first to anticipate the rise of liberal thought in his time.

American political thought has been heavily influenced by

Lockean principle. Simply put, liberalism derived comes from

the straightforward ideology of capitalism, as one cannot have

one without the other. Locke justifies capitalism by utilizing

liberalism to criticize inequality, shaping everything around the

premises of liberty and equality, thus coming to the conclusion

that society cannot have one without the other.

In their quest for designing a viable representative

government, the founding fathers dedicated themselves to

careful study of the political philosophy of Europeans.

Focusing primarily on British political thinkers from the 16th

and 17th century, the founding fathers focused primarily on the

natural rights of man, which in turn varied according to the

individual philosopher studied. Over the course of their study,

the founding fathers openly discussed their opinions with one

another so as to properly bring forth differing views in order to

prudently construct a government that would protect individual

liberty, as well as determine what was required of government

to protect civil liberties.

Organic Roots Of America (1)

Organic Roots Of America (2)

The theory of singular government deeply influenced founding

fathers Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton

and even later political leaders like Abraham Lincoln, to present

leaders of today. John Locke’s articulation of human nature, in

turn relating the law of nature, which is reason, emphasized that

a state of inconvenience results in a state of war (Second

Treatise, Locke). The most acceptable alternative to a state of

nature is a civil society or government, as long as the

established authority protects equality. As the fundamental

desire of mankind is life itself, government’s foremost priority is

to protect property. Alexander Hamilton further propounded this

position in that government is indeed a reflection on human

nature (Federalist Paper #51).

John Locke’s

“Second Treatise” (1)

• Recognized as the first to anticipate the rise of liberal thought

in his time.

• Addressed the merits of exchanging certain natural rights or

liberties for civil rights as afforded by a social contract that

provides a foundation of laws assuring freedom and equality

for all citizens.

• One cannot have liberalism without capitalism.

• Embodies tolerance, freedom of speech and religion with

capitalism. Social contract is man’s way of establishing a

government to guarantee those identified fundamental rights.

• Argues that the law of God serves as the fundamental

example of what constitutes natural rights.

John Locke’s


• John Lock is very secular as his natural law argument

demonstrates. Adopted to make Christianity more progressive,

Locke argues that the law of reason is in actuality the law of

nature with natural law governed by God.

• No man has sovereignty by birth or any other greater freedom,

for all of man are seen in the same light under God’s eyes

(Chap.1).

• Locke argues that man’s natural duty is to insure his self-

preservation, which he bases on two qualifications. First, men

do what is necessary for their pursuit of life, liberty and

prosperity. Second, man can only take from another if it is

dependent on preserving his own life, liberty and prosperity

(Chap.1).

John Locke’s


• Self-preservation is absolute only in a state of war, for when

force without rights exists, it presents a theater through which

violence exists outside the reach of law (Sec.17).

• Stresses that rights or duties accorded in a state of nature are

based on natural law, or reason. His whole theory is based on

the tenets of liberalism with a focus on relationships and conflict

(Preface).

• Examines how one can and cannot morally possess material

goods. States that the law of nature demands that no one shall

waste or spoil anything that others could use. Arguing that one’s

claims to the products of the earth is in truth owned in common

by all, the right of subsistence cannot justify waste, for one does

not own the Earth (Sec.36).

John Locke’s


• Self-regulating capitalism is the overriding purpose of the

establishment of this contract in order to insure that equality and

freedom continue to exist outside of the state of nature.

Addressing the needy deficiencies of the state of nature, Locke

examines the need for common consent with the people

following the basic tenets of natural law. Man thereby agrees to

give up their natural rights in exchange for civil rights in return

for order in a civil society.

• Argues that the rule of law must apply to all in the same fashion,

fairly affecting all aspects of society. The state of nature dictates

that the law must treat all people equally for no one has the right

to control another absolutely.

John Locke’s


• From the beginning: Adam & Eve. Neither had total control over

their children or the Earth (Chap.1).

• People must freely surrender some of their inalienable rights in

order for the construction of government (Chap.1).

• All are charged with the responsibility of ensuring their

prosperity. None may willfully retreat from life to death (Sec.6).

• A state of war results when one’s survival is jeopardized.

Slavery produces a state of war (Sec.8).

• No man shall do harm. Transgressors shall be punished either

by the state or individual (Sec.11).

John Locke’s


• State of nature is a state of peace, good will, mutual

assistance and preservation. A state of enmity, malice,

violence and mutual destruction is in fact a state of war

(Sec.16).

• When actual force ends then so does the state of war. Both

sides are then subjected to the faire determination of the law

(Sec.20).

• Men willingly join a society to prevent a state of war (Sec.21).

• Man shall not be under any other legislative power, but that

established, by consent, in the commonwealth. Only those

restraints placed by the legislature may apply (Sec.22).

John Locke’s

“Second Treatise” (8)• Only those powers willfully forfeited may be applied to man. No

one can give more away more power than he has himself. He

that cannot take away his own life, cannot give another

power over it (Sec.23).

• Every man has a property in his own person. No power has any

right to this property except the respective individual (Sec.27).

• Adding labor or value makes the end product man’s (Sec.28).

• Ethics of converting or trading tangible products into currency.

This brings money, gold and silver, into the foray (Sec.50).

John Locke’s

“Second Treatise” (9)The freedom then of man, and liberty of acting according to his own

will, is grounded on his having reason, which is able to instruct him in

that law he is to govern himself by, and make him know how far he is

left to the freedom of his own will. To turn him loose to an

unrestrained liberty, before he has reason to guide him, is not the

allowing him the privilege of his nature to be free; but to thrust him out

amongst brutes, and abandon him to a state as wretched, and as

much beneath that of a man, as theirs’. This is that which puts the

authority into the parents hands to govern the minority of their

children. God hath made it their business to employ this care on their

offspring, and hath placed in them suitable inclinations of tenderness

and concern to temper this power, to apply it, as his wisdom designed

it, to the children's good, as long as they should need to be under it

(Sec.63).

John Locke’s

“Second Treatise” (10)MEN being, as has been said, by nature, all free, equal, and

independent, no one can be put out of this estate, and subjected to

the political power of another, without his own consent. The only way

whereby any one divests himself of his natural liberty, and puts on

the bonds of civil society, is by agreeing with other men to join and

unite into a community for their comfortable, safe, and peaceable

living one amongst another, in a secure enjoyment of their properties,

and a greater security against any, that are not of it (Sec.95).

John Locke’s


For when any number of men have, by the consent of every

individual, made a community, they have thereby made that

community one body, with a power to act as one body, which is

only by the will and determination of the majority: for that which

acts any community, being only the consent of the individuals of

it, and it being necessary to that which is one body to move one

way; it is necessary the body should move that way whither the

greater force carries it, which is the consent of the majority: or

else it is impossible it should act or continue one body, one

community, which the consent of every individual that united

into it, agreed that it should; and so every one is bound by that

consent to be concluded by the majority (Sec.96).

John Locke’s


IF man in the state of nature be so free, as has been said; if he

be absolute lord of his own person and possessions, equal to

the greatest, and subject to no body, why will he part with his

freedom? why will he give up this empire, and subject himself to

the dominion and control of any other power? To which it is

obvious to answer, that though in the state of nature he hath

such a right, yet the enjoyment of it is very uncertain, and

constantly exposed to the invasion of others: for all being kings

as much as he, every man his equal, and the greater part no

strict observers of equity and justice, the enjoyment of the

property he has in this state is very unsafe, very insecure.

Protection of property is the primary motivator to join civil society

(Sec.123).

John Locke’s


THE majority having, as has been shewed, upon men's first uniting

into society, the whole power of the community naturally in them,

may employ all that power in making laws for the community from

time to time, and executing those laws by officers of their own

appointing; and then the form of the government is a perfect

democracy: or else may put the power of making laws into the

hands of a few select men, and their heirs or successors; and then

it is an oligarchy: or else into the hands of one man, and then it is a

monarchy: if to him and his heirs, it is an hereditary monarchy: if to

him only for life, but upon his death the power only of nominating a

successor to return to them; an elective monarchy. And so

accordingly of these the community may make compounded and

mixed forms of government, as they think good (Sec.132).

John Locke’s


Though the legislative, whether placed in one or more, whether

it be always in being, or only by intervals, though it be the

supreme power in every common-wealth; yet,

First: It is not, nor can possibly be absolutely arbitrary over the

lives and fortunes of the people: for it being but the joint power

of every member of the society given up to that person, or

assembly, which is legislator; it can be no more than those

persons had in a state of nature before they entered into

society, and gave up to the community: for no body can transfer

to another more power than he has in himself; and no body has

an absolute arbitrary power over himself, or over any other, to

destroy his own life, or take away the life or property of another

(Sec.135).

John Locke’s


Second: The legislative, or supreme authority, cannot assume to its

self a power to rule by extemporary arbitrary decrees, but is bound to

dispense justice, and decide the rights of the subject by promulgated

standing laws, and known authorized judges: for the law of nature

being unwritten, and so no where to be found but in the minds of

men, they who through passion or interest shall miscite, or misapply

it, cannot so easily be convinced of their mistake where there is no

established judge: and so it serves not, as it ought, to determine the

rights, and fence the properties of those that live under it, especially

where every one is judge, interpreter, and executioner of it too, and

that in his own case: and he that has right on his side, having

ordinarily but his own single strength, hath not force enough to

defend himself from injuries, or to punish delinquents (Sec.136).

John Locke’s

“Second Treatise” (16)Absolute arbitrary power, or governing without settled standing

laws, can neither of them consist with the ends of society and

government, which men would not quit the freedom of the state

of nature for, and tie themselves up under, were it not to

preserve their lives, liberties and fortunes, and by stated rules

of right and property to secure their peace and quiet.This were

to put themselves into a worse condition than the state of

nature, wherein they had a liberty to defend their right against

the injuries of others, and were upon equal terms of force to

maintain it, whether invaded by a single man, or many in

combination (Sec.137).

John Locke’s


Thirdly, The supreme power cannot take from any man any part

of his property without his own consent: for the preservation of

property being the end of government, and that for which men

enter into society, it necessarily supposes and requires, that the

people should have property, without which they must be

supposed to lose that, by entering into society, which was the

end for which they entered into it; too gross an absurdity for any

man to own (Sec.138).

John Locke’s


Legislative Powers Of The Commonwealth:

(1) Govern by promulgated established laws, not to be varied in

particular cases, but to have one rule for rich and poor, for the

favorite at court, and the country man at plough.

(2) Laws also ought to be designed for no other end ultimately, but

the good of the people.

(3) They must not raise taxes on the property of the people,

without the consent of the people, given by themselves, or their

deputies.

(4) The legislative neither must nor can transfer the power of

making laws to any body else, or place it any where, but where

the people have (Sec.142).

John Locke’s


• But because the laws, that are at once, and in a short time

made, have a constant and lasting force, and need a perpetual

execution, or an attendance thereunto; therefore it is necessary

there should be a power always in being, which should see to

the execution of the laws that are made, and remain in force.

And thus the legislative and executive power come often to be

separated (Sec.144).

• Executive and federative, though they be really distinct in

themselves, yet one comprehending the execution of the

municipal laws of the society within its self, upon all that are

parts of it; the other the management of the security and

interest of the public without, with all those that it may receive

benefit or damage from, yet they are always almost united

(Sec.147).

John Locke’s


In a constituted common-wealth, standing upon its own basis,

and acting according to its own nature, that is, acting for the

preservation of the community, there can be but one supreme

power, which is the legislative, to which all the rest are and must

be subordinate, yet the legislative being only a fiduciary power

to act for certain ends, there remains still in the people a

supreme power to remove or alter the legislative, when they find

the legislative act contrary to the trust reposed in them: for all

power given with trust for the attaining an end, being limited by

that end, whenever that end is manifestly neglected, or

opposed, the trust must necessarily be forfeited, and the power

devolve into the hands of those that gave it (sec.149).

John Locke’s


WHERE the legislative and executive power are in distinct

hands, (as they are in all moderated monarchies, and well-

framed governments) there the good of the society requires,

that several things should be left to the discretion of him that

has the executive power: for the legislators not being able to

foresee, and provide by laws, for all that may be useful to the

community, the executor of the laws having the power in his

hands, has by the common law of nature a right to make use of

it for the good of the society, in many cases, where the

municipal law has given no direction, till the legislative can

conveniently be assembled to provide for it (Sec.159).

John Locke’s


Because the miscarriages of the father are no faults of the

children, and they may be rational and peaceable,

notwithstanding the brutishness and injustice of the father; the

father, by his miscarriages and violence, can forfeit but his own

life, but involves not his children in his guilt or destruction. His

goods, which nature, that willeth the preservation of all mankind

as much as is possible, hath made to belong to the children to

keep them from perishing, do still continue to belong to his

children: for supposing them not to have joined in the war,

either through infancy, absence, or choice, they have done

nothing to forfeit them: nor has the conqueror any right to take

them away (Sec.182).

John Locke’s


AS usurpation is the exercise of power, which another hath a

right to; so tyranny is the exercise of power beyond right,

which no body can have a right to. And this is making use of

the power any one has in his hands, not for the good of those

who are under it, but for his own private separate advantage.

When the governor, however entitled, makes not the law, but

his will, the rule; and his commands and actions are not

directed to the preservation of the properties of his people, but

the satisfaction of his own ambition, revenge, covetousness,

or any other irregular passion (Sec.199).

John Locke’s


Where-ever law ends, tyranny begins, if the law be

transgressed to another's harm; and whosoever in authority

exceeds the power given him by the law, and makes use of

the force he has under his command, to compass that upon

the subject, which the law allows not, ceases in that to be a

magistrate; and, acting without authority, may be opposed,

as any other man, who by force invades the right of another.

This is acknowledged in subordinate magistrates. He that

hath authority to seize my person in the street, may be

opposed as a thief and a robber, if he endeavors to break

into my house to execute a writ, notwithstanding that I know

he has such a warrant, and such a legal authority, as will

empower him to arrest me abroad (Sec. 202).

John Locke’s


HE that will with any clearness speak of the dissolution of

government, ought in the first place to distinguish between the

dissolution of the society and the dissolution of the government.

That which makes the community, and brings men out of the

loose state of nature, into one politic society, is the agreement

which every one has with the rest to incorporate, and act as one

body, and so be one distinct commonwealth. The usual, and

almost only way whereby this union is dissolved, is the inroad of

foreign force. Thus conquerors swords often cut up governments

by the roots, and mangle societies to pieces, separating the

subdued or scattered multitude from the protection of, and

dependence on, that society which ought to have preserved them

from violence.. Besides this over-turning from without,

governments are dissolved from within (Sec. 211).

John Locke’s


First, When the legislative is altered. Civil society being a state

of peace, amongst those who are of it, from whom the state of

war is excluded by the umpirage, which they have provided in

their legislative, for the ending all differences that may arise

amongst any of them, it is in their legislative, that the members

of a commonwealth are united, and combined together into one

coherent living body (Sec.212).

Capitalism & Democracy (1)

1. For freedom to rein it is required for the market place to

determine the fate of all products, services and ideas. No

interference can burden this process.

2. Oversight is not necessarily detrimental as is the policy of

the United States to regulate various industries. The

death kneel comes when powerful spheres of influence

serve to squash competition.

3. John Locke argues it best when he suggests that

liberalism can never exist without capitalism. This is the

philosophy of Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” where he

explains how markets determine the fate of all competing

interests seeking society’s acceptance.


3. We are today living in a time of unprecedented

technological innovation that is helping to propel

humanity further the ladder of evolution. This would not

be possible if vested interests were prevented from

pursuing market acceptance.

4. John Locke and Adam Smith would agree that there is no

fundamental difference between a marketed product,

service or even political idea. All interest groups

competing in the marketplace are engaged in the same

pursuit: acceptance.


5. Companies competing for market dollars strive to offer

the most cost efficient product or service that is also the

most innovative. This in turn encourages competing peers

to further maximize efficiency while also stretching the

bounds of innovation in order to offer the best value.

6. Marketing ideas is in essence the same we have

witnessed with political campaigns striving for societal

acceptance. Political organizations seeking for example

the election of a particular individual to office must secure

a majority of the market within a certain region.


7. Competing campaigns offer different ideas to the market

that seek to offer a better value. This constant battle

allows all individuals to decide for themselves what

“product” “service” or even “idea” is best. We all benefit

from conflict.

8. John Locke and Adam Smith would agree that there is no

fundamental difference between a marketed product,

service or even political idea. All interest groups

competing in the marketplace are engaged in the same

pursuit: acceptance.


8. Companies competing for market dollars strive to offer

the most cost efficient product or service that is also the

most innovative. This in turn encourages competing peers

to further maximize efficiency while also stretching the

bounds of innovation in order to offer the best value.

9. Marketing ideas is in essence the same we have

witnessed with political campaigns striving for societal

acceptance. Political organizations seeking the election of

a particular individual to office must secure a majority of

the market within a certain region. Competing campaigns

offer different ideas to the market that seek to offer a

better value. This constant battle allows all individuals to

decide for themselves what “product” “service” or even

“idea” is best. We all benefit from conflict.


10. Cellular services are a goodexample.

• Prior to 1996, there existed inSouthern California like mostother regions in the UnitedStates, two cellular telephonecompanies.

• Southern California was hometo Airtouch and LA Cellular. Theaverage consumer was unableto afford cellular phoneservice.

• 1996 Telecommunications Actallowed companies to compete.

• Prices collapsed & servicesimproved.

Cell.wmv

Cell.wmv


11.The nightmare is the elimination of debate.

12.It is not debate that threatens society, but thelack of contesting ideas.

13.Policies enacted to prevent overly powerfulmonopolies help to maintain open competition.

14.To have one overly powerful sphere of interestprevent debate is destructive to the system itself.

15.Pluralism emphasizes conflict and compromisewith interest groups engaged in a constant pursuitof power that naturally results in establishedalliances to compete with peer spheres that aredoing the same, resulting in the formation of twomajor spheres.

COLA & Wages

COLA (Cost Of Living Adjustments)

and wages are two major issues of

concern. National economy, as

national security are the two top

issues of debate every year. How do

national elites seek to manipulate

mass beliefs about why wages just

barely keep pace with daily

expenses? “Why Play Leapfrog” is a

Cold War-era cartoon aimed at

convincing workers that increased

productivity brings about greater

purchasing power.

Leap Frog.wmv

Leap Frog.wmv

Freedom

Propaganda is a necessary tool.

“Make Mine Freedom” is a 1948 Cold

War-era cartoon that uses humor to

tout the dangers of Communism and

the benefits of capitalism. Various

points made in this presentation touch

on John Locke’s “Second Treatise Of

Government”. Can you pick them out?

Make Mine Freedom.wmv

Make Mine Freedom.wmv

Cinemocracy

Governmental elites may believe

that their national policies are so

concrete that it is necessary to

utilize various forms of

propaganda gage in propaganda

to incite specific reactions from its

citizens. Cinemocracy, the

relationship between motion

pictures and government is one

way governmental elites sell their

agenda. Enjoy this classic cartoon

where “Popeye The Sailor Man”

battles the Nazis.

Popey Propaganda.wmv

Popey Propaganda.wmv

THE LAYERS

FARMERSGREAT MASS OF WHITE AMERICANS

WHO HAD LITTLE INTEREST IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

MIDDLE CLASSSUCCESSFUL BODY OF INDIVDUALS

ELITEDOMINATED SOCIAL, CULTURAL, ECONOMIC, & POLITICAL LIFE

Early American Elites & Masses

• Government under the articles of confederation.

Established a “Firm League Of Friendship.”

Identified national government powers.

Reassured each state of its:

Sovereignty.

Freedom.

Independence.

• Repayment of loans made to congress.

Investors who backed the American war effort had

difficulty securing their loans.

Without the power to tax, the future of the

American government looked bleak.

Elite Preferences:

Inspiration For A New Constitution

Articles Of Confederation

Though the American Revolution was that of ideas, it was a full

out war. Victorious, the thirteen colonies established and lived

under the Articles of Confederation until the adoption of the

Constitution of 1787. Revolutionary itself, the Articles of

Confederation provided little assistance for a nation absent of

leaders who possessed experience in governing the whole

country. The Articles of Confederation linked the thirteen colonies

in mainly defensive guarantees. Though a congress with typical

authority associated with a central government was established

with normal duties including the right to declare war, engage in

treaties and coin money, there lacked an executive branch to

enforce decisions. Congress was state directed, with each state

having a single vote. Nine out of thirteen states had to agree if

anything were to be passed.

• Protection of bankers and creditors.

State-issued paper money permitted debtors to pay off creditors with money worth less than they originally owned.

• Opening western land to speculation.

Need a strong central government.

With enough military power to oust the British from the northwest.

To protect settlers against Indian attacks.

The protection and settlement.

Cause land values to increase.

Make land speculators rich.

Elite Preferences:


• Protection of shipping and manufacturing. Strong navy important to American commercial interests. Tariff barriers not adequate against foreign goods.

• Ensuring the return of runaway slaves. Protection of human “property.” In 1787, slavery was lawful everywhere except in

Massachusetts. Nation’s founders prepared to protect slavery. Southern economy highly dependent on slaves.

• Exercising powers in world affairs. Confederation held in contempt by Britain and barbary

states. Elite wanted to assume role in the international community

and exercise power in world affairs.

Elite Preferences:


• Annapolis Convention.

Report that outlined defects in the articles of

confederation.

Called upon states to send delegates to new

convention to suggest remedies.

• George Washington's prestige.

55 men chose George Washington in the

summer of 1787.

Stood at the apex of American elite structure.

Formation Of A National Elite (1)

• Founders’ governing experience—wealthy individuals.

Wealth assumed A variety of forms:

Land, ships, business inventories, slaves, credit, bonds, paper money.

• Founders’ “ continental” view.

Cosmopolitanism distinguished the men of Philadelphia from the masses.

“Continental” point of view for political, economic, & military issues.

Members of the elite extended their loyalties beyond their states.

Formation Of A National Elite (2)

• Goal of government is to protect liberty and property.

• Origin of government is implied contract among

people.

• Elites believe in:

A republican government.

Limited government could not threaten liberty or

property.

A strong national government could:

“establish justice.

insure domestic tranquility.

provide for the common defense.

promote the general welfare, and

secure the blessings of liberty.”

Elite Consensus In 1787

• Representation Compromise:

addressed representation in the national legislature.

• Slavery compromise –the three-fifths compromise.

For tax and representation purposes: slaves counted as

three-fifths of a person.

• Export tax compromise –between planters and merchants.

Articles exported from any state should not bear tax or

duty.

Imports could only be taxed by the national government.

• Voter qualification compromise:

concerned qualifications for voting and holding office.

electors in states should qualify for electors of the most

numerous branch of the state legislatures.

women could not participate in government.

An Elite In Operation: Conciliation

And Compromise

• Elites benefited more directly and immediately than nonelites.

• Levying taxes. Congress given power to tariff.

• Regulating commerce –the interstate commerce clause & the provision in article I, section 9. Created free trade area over the thirteen states. The arrangement was beneficial for American merchants.

• Protecting money and property. Congress gains control over currency and credit.

The Constitution As Elitist

Document (1)

• Creating the military – two purposes.

Army and navy promote commercial and territorial

ambitions.

Protection from invasion.

• Protecting against revolution.

Protect government from revolution with military.

Protect slaveholders from slave revolt.

• Protecting slavery.

• Congress outlawed the import of slaves after 1808.

• Protect existing property and slaves.


Document (2)

• Limiting States In Business Affairs

Prevents States “Impairing The Obligation Of

Contracts”

• Limiting States In Monetary Affairs

Provided Protection To Elite

• States Could Not

Coin Money

Issue Paper Money

Make Money Other Than Gold Or Silver Coin

Legal Tender In Payment Of Debt


Document (3)

• Structure reflects desire to protect liberty and property.

• Elite control government and policy decisions. National supremacy – congressional control of decisions. Republicanism – representative government.

• Separated powers in the national government. Bulwark against majoritarianism. Additional safeguard for elite liberty & property. Divides responsibilities. Difficult to hold government accountable for public policy.

Elitism And The Structure Of

The National Government

• Ratification rules designed to give clear advantage to

supporters of constitution.

Special ratifying conventions called extraordinary

ratification procedure.

Minority of population participated in ratifying the

constitution.

• Emergence of anti-federalist opposition.

Feared a strong federal government’s control.

Confidence in ability to control state government.

• The bill of rights an afterthought.

Most effective criticism centered on the absence of

bill of rights.

Ratification: An Exercise In

Elite Political Skills

Slide 2 WestCal Political Science 5 Western Political Thought 2016

Education

Transcript of Slide 2 WestCal Political Science 5 Western Political Thought 2016