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Timeline of the Ratification of the Constitution

by Gordon Lloyd

Federal Farmer

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Federal Farmer
 1787
 October 1787
 Oct 8, 1787: Federal Farmer No. 1 (Virginia)
The Antifederalist Federal Farmer says the proposed Constitution "appears to be a plan retaining some federal features, but to be the first important step, and to aim strongly, to one consolidated government of the United States." We ought not to hastily adopt this plan supported by "ambitious, impatient, or disorderly men." He shares a deep regret: "The non-attendance of eight or nine men, who were appointed members of the convention, I shall ever consider as a very unfortunate event to the United States." Full Text of Document
 Oct 9, 1787: Federal Farmer No. 2 (Virginia)
The Antifederalist Federal Farmer focuses on three main objections in this essay. He claims that the proposed Constitution 1) fails the "full and equal representation" test 2) inadequately separates the powers of government and 3) has a strong tendency to consolidation. Full Text of Document
 Oct 10, 1787: Federal Farmer No. 3 (Virginia)
The Antifederalist Federal Farmer continues his critique of the proposed Constitution: "I will examine first, the organization of the proposed government in order to judge, second, with propriety, what powers are improperly, at least prematurely lodged in it. I shall examine, third, the undefined powers, and fourth, those powers, the exercise of which is not secured on safe and proper ground." Full Text of Document
 Oct 12, 1787: Federal Farmer No. 4 (Virginia)
The Antifederalist Federal Farmer, without mentioning James Wilson by name, criticizes the premise of the State House speech that a Bill of Rights is unnecessary and dangerous. But, he argues, aren't Article One Sections 9 and 10 of the Constitution a partial Bill of Rights so why don't we drop them or go the whole distance on behalf of a Bill of Rights? Full Text of Document
 Oct 13, 1787: Federal Farmer No. 5 (Virginia)
 November 1787
 December 1787
 Dec 25, 1787: Federal Farmer No. 6 (Virginia)
 Dec 31, 1787: Federal Farmer No. 7 (Virginia)
The Antifederalist Federal Farmer argues that underlying all forms of government there are but two principles or "important springs which alone move the machines and give them their intended influence and control." Theirs are "force and persuasion." In this essay, "I repeat my observation that the plan proposed will have a doubtful operation between the two principles; and whether it will preponderate towards persuasion or force is uncertain." Full Text of Document
 1788
 January 1788
 Jan 3, 1788: Federal Farmer No. 8 (New York)
 Jan 4, 1788: Federal Farmer No. 9 (Virginia)
The Antifederalist Federal Farmer states that the objective in framing free government ought to the creation of a scheme of representation so that we have "equal liberty, and equal laws diffusing their influence among all orders of men; to obtain this we must guard against the bias of interest and passions, against interested combinations, secret or open. We must aim at a balance of efforts and strength." He argues that the proposed Constitution fails this objective. Full Text of Document
 Jan 7, 1788: Federal Farmer No. 10 (Virginia)
 Jan 11, 1788: Federal Farmer No. 11 (Virginia)
 Jan 12, 1788: Federal Farmer No. 12 (Virginia)
The Antifederalist Federal Farmer criticizes the inadequate protection given to "the impartiality and security of elections" in the proposed Constitution. He also recommends, "increasing the federal representation and adopting the principles of district elections." Full Text of Document
 Jan 14, 1788: Federal Farmer No. 13 (Virginia)
 Jan 17, 1788: Federal Farmer No. 14 (Virginia)
 Jan 18, 1788: Federal Farmer No. 15 (Virginia)
 Jan 23, 1788: Federal Farmer No. 16 (Virginia)
 Jan 23, 1788: Federal Farmer No. 17 (Virginia)
The Antifederalist Federal Farmer argues that "a free and mild government can be preserved in their extensive territories, only under the substantial forms of a federal republic." This essay answers the question: "how far" does the proposed plan "partake of a federal republic?" The answer is not far enough. ` Full Text of Document
 Jan 25, 1788: Federal Farmer No. 18 (Virginia)
 May 1788


 

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