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
• 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
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
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
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 good
example.
• Prior to 1996, there existed in
Southern California like most
other regions in the United
States, two cellular telephone
companies.
• Southern California was home
to Airtouch and LA Cellular. The
average consumer was unable
to afford cellular phone
service.
• 1996 Telecommunications Act
allowed companies to compete.
• Prices collapsed & services
improved.

11.The nightmare is the elimination of debate.
12.It is not debate that threatens society, but the
lack of contesting ideas.
13.Policies enacted to prevent overly powerful
monopolies help to maintain open competition.
14.To have one overly powerful sphere of interest
prevent debate is destructive to the system itself.
15.Pluralism emphasizes conflict and compromise
with interest groups engaged in a constant pursuit
of power that naturally results in established
alliances to compete with peer spheres that are
doing the same, resulting in the formation of two
major 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.

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?

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.

THE LAYERS
FARMERS
GREATMASSOFWHITEAMERICANS
WHOHADLITTLEINTERESTINPUBLICAFFAIRS.
MIDDLECLASS
SUCCESSFUL BODYOFINDIVDUALS
ELITE
DOMINATEDSOCIAL, 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

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Slide 2 WestCal Political Science 5 Western Political Thought 2016