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Timeline of the Ratification of the Constitution

by Gordon Lloyd

Brutus

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 1787
 October 1787
 Oct 18, 1787: Brutus No. 1 (New York)
The New York Antifederalist Brutus, anticipating both Federalist 1 and 10, argues that 1) "the most important question that was ever proposed to your decision, or to the decision of any people under heaven, is before you," 2) "in so extensive a republic, the great officers of government would soon become above the control of the people, and abuse their power to the purpose of aggrandizing themselves and oppressing them." He recommends rejection of the proposed plan. Full Text of Document
 November 1787
 Nov 1, 1787: Brutus No. 2 (New York)
Antifederalist Brutus argued that the proposed plan of government failed to provide adequate protection to individual rights of conscience, the liberty of the press, the freedom of association and the right of the people to the expectation of no unreasonable searches and no cruel and unreasonable punishments. Without mentioning James Wilson by name, he criticizes the contract theory in the State House Speech that declares a bill of Rights to be superfluous & And in direct contrast to the teachings of Federalist 10 and 51, Brutus suggests that the great art "in forming a good constitution appears to be this: so to frame it as that those to whom the power is committed shall be subject to the same feelings, and aim at the same objects as the people do, who transfer to them their authority. There is no possible way to effect this but by an equal, full, and fair representation." Full Text of Document
 Nov 8, 1787: Brutus, Junior (New York)
 Nov 15, 1787: Brutus No. 3 (New York)
The Antifederalist Brutus continues his efforts to point out "the principal defects" of the proposed Constitution. He examines "its parts more minutely, and show[s] that the powers are not properly deposited for the security of public liberty." He criticizes the scheme of representation in both the House and Senate. The small number of representatives to be chosen violates the core meaning of representation: "those who are placed instead of the people should possess their sentiments and feelings, and be governed by their interests; or, in other words, should bear the strongest resemblance of those in whose room they are substituted." But under the plan "the well born and highest orders in life, " and not "the farmer, merchant, mechanic" will be represented Full Text of Document
 Nov 22, 1787: Brutus on Mason's Objections (Virginia)
Full Text of Document
 Nov 29, 1787: Brutus No. 4 (New York)
 December 1787
 Dec 13, 1787: Brutus No. 5 (New York)
The Antifederalist Brutus turns to an examination of "the nature and extent of the powers granted to the legislature." He interprets these powers, or means, in light of the Preamble that sets down the ends of the new government; he declares that Congress is granted all power that is necessary and proper for carrying out the comprehensive and undefined. All the more reason, says Brutus, for a Bill of Rights restricting the reach of congress over the states and the people and for a larger number of representatives in the Congress. Full Text of Document
 Dec 27, 1787: Brutus No. 6 (New York)
Full Text of Document
 1788
 January 1788
 Jan 3, 1788: Brutus No. 7 (New York)
 Jan 10, 1788: Brutus No. 10 (New York)
 Jan 17, 1788: Brutus No. 9 (New York)
 Jan 24, 1788: Brutus No. 10 (New York)
 Jan 31, 1788: Brutus No. 11 (New York)
The New York Antifederalist Brutus claims "I have not met with any writer, who has discussed the judicial powers with any degree of accuracy." To that end he "first examine the nature and extent of the judicial powers and second, inquire whether the courts who are to exercise them are so constituted as to afford reasonable ground of confidence that they will exercise them for the general good." He is particularly concerned about the "equity power" of the Supreme Court. Full Text of Document
 February 1788
 Feb 14, 1788: Brutus No. 12 (New York)
"The supreme court has the power in the last resort to determine all questions that may arise in the course of legal discussion on the meaning and construction of the constitution," states the Antifederalist Brutus. This will enable the justices "to mold the government into almost any shape they please." Full Text of Document
 Feb 21, 1788: Brutus No. 13 (New York)
 Feb 28, 1788: Brutus No. 14 (Part 1) (New York)
 March 1788
 Mar 6, 1788: Brutus No. 14 (Part 2) (New York)
 Mar 20, 1788: Brutus No. 15 (New York)
The Antifederalist Brutus argues that "the supreme court under this constitution would be exalted above all other power in the government, and subject to no control." Brutus makes three points: "First. there is no power above them that can correct their errors or control their decisions." Second, "they cannot be removed from office or suffer a diminution of their salaries for any error in judgment or want of capacity." Third, "the power of this court is in many cases superior to that of the legislature." Full Text of Document
 April 1788


 

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