HW for March 5: What better constitution? The Articles of the Confederation
"Is there any arrangement of government - any constitution - by which it's possible for a people to rule themselves, justly and fairly, and as equals, through the exercise of judgment and care?" (Lepore in our anthology p. 109)
Read the Articles of the Confederation (p. 113-117) and think about people ruling themselves vs. power to the state. What judgment and care are there for this, and what may be missing.
Also, compare political thought with cultural thought, looking at John Crèvecoeur's letter in p. 104)
Lepore's inquiry delves into the fundamental question of whether it's feasible for a society to govern itself equitably and justly, emphasizing the exercise of judgment and care. This notion resonates with the democratic ideals of participation, fairness, and equality. When examining the Articles of Confederation, which served as the first constitution of the United States, we can see an attempt to establish a system that delegates power to the states while preserving some elements of self-governance for the people. However, the Articles also highlight certain shortcomings in achieving this ideal.
ReplyDeleteThe Articles of Confederation granted significant autonomy to individual states, reflecting a preference for decentralized governance. This allocation of power aimed to prevent the concentration of authority and protect the rights of states. However, this distribution of power also resulted in a weak central government that struggled to enforce laws and coordinate collective action effectively. Consequently, this system lacked the necessary mechanisms for exercising judgment and care at the national level, as there was limited capacity for unified decision-making and resource allocation.
In terms of judgment and care, the Articles of Confederation provided for a unicameral legislature, where each state had an equal vote regardless of population size. This approach attempted to ensure equality among states but could lead to issues of representation imbalance. Additionally, there were provisions for mutual defense and cooperation among states, indicating a level of collective responsibility and care for the common welfare. However, the lack of a strong executive branch and the inability to levy taxes hampered the government's ability to address pressing issues effectively.
Comparing political thought with cultural thought, John Crèvecoeur's letter reflects on the American identity and the transformative power of the American landscape and society. Crèvecoeur highlights the diversity and vitality of American culture, shaped by immigrants from various backgrounds and united by shared values of freedom and opportunity. His depiction emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange and assimilation in shaping the American experience. This cultural perspective complements political discourse by emphasizing the social and cultural foundations of democracy and self-governance. It underscores the significance of shared values and common bonds in fostering a cohesive society capable of exercising judgment and care in governance.