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Timeline of the Ratification of the Constitution

by Gordon Lloyd

Cato

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 1787
 September 1787
 October 1787
 Oct 11, 1787: Cato II (New York)
 Oct 25, 1787: Cato III (New York)
New York Antifederalist Cato takes up "this new form of national government," and compares it with "the experience and opinions of the most sensible and approved political authors, and to show you that its principles, and the exercise of them, will be dangerous to your liberty and happiness." In particular, he shows that the proposed Constitution deviates from the teaching of the great oracle Montesquieu on federalism. Full Text of Document
 November 1787
 Nov 8, 1787: Cato IV (New York)
 Nov 22, 1787: Cato V (New York)
The New York Antifederalist Cato, summarizes the main points of his previous contribution in Cato IV: the "vague and inexplicit" nature of Article II, the Presidential article, could "lead to oppression and ruin." So why are you prepared to "adopt a system so vague, and which has discarded so many of your valuable rights? Is it because you do not believe that an American can be a tyrant?" He turns now to his critique of Article I: biennial elections are "a departure from the safe democratical principles of annual ones, that the number of representatives are too few" etc. "But this subject has been so ably and fully treated by a writer under the signature of Brutus, that I shall content myself with referring you to him thereon." Full Text of Document
 December 1787
 Dec 12, 1787: Cato Essay (New York)
 Dec 16, 1787: Cato VI (New York)
New York Antifederalist Cato warns his readers that 1) the new government will be an expensive burden on ordinary people 2) "none but men of opulence will hold a seat" in the Senate 3) the House is too "feeble" to "hold the balance against them" and 4) " the executive and senate can destroy the independence of the majority in the house of representatives and 5) "you are told to adopt this government first, and you will always be able to alter it afterwards. This would be first submitting to be slaves and then taking care of your liberty; when your chains are on, then act like freemen." Full Text of Document
 1788
 January 1788
 Jan 3, 1788: Cato VII (New York)
The New York Antifederalist Cato warns his readers that the proposed Constitution does not provide an adequate check and balance system between the Senate and the President. Accordingly, and contrary to the advice of Montesquieu, the American people are being asked to place an unreasonable trust in the virtue of their rulers. Full Text of Document


 

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