Nature of the early republic - Essay Example

of the of the Nature of the early republic The USA is a country which depicts unity in diversity. The various colonies of which it was comprised set aside their differences in order to form a single nation. The terrain and society in America, right from its early days was such that only democracy could survive. For instance, in the southern part of the United States the dominant and rich land owners could not establish an aristocracy nor could they impose restrictions, in respect of politics and religion, on the populace due to the threat of a mass exodus by the general inhabitants to other places. This was the situation obtaining in the New England colonies like Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island etc. Moreover, England's control over these colonies was severely limited by the presence of a vast intervening ocean. Life in the colonies was such that the settlers had to take independent decisions, further the land was so vast that many people lived in virtual isolation. All these factors were conducive to the development of a democratic system of governance. At this point of time severe conflicts arose between the French settlement in the Northern America and the colonies. Notable amongst these was the fracas that took place between some French soldiers and Virginians led by George Washington as this resulted in the formation of the Albany Congress. In this Congress a delegate from the various American colonies adopted a Benjamin Franklin drafted resolution, which called for the creation of a union of the American colonies (The Colonial Period: Chapter 2). A series of measures like the Sugar Act of 1764, Quartering Act 1765, the Stamp Act and the Townshend Act infuriated the colonies. The aim of these acts was to reduce the tax burden in England by increasing the taxation in these American colonies. Subsequently the British parliament passed a number of acts collectively termed by the colonists as the coercive or intolerable acts. In 1775 the British Garrison at Boston sent a detachment of troops who attack suspected rebels located in the town of Concord. These troops killed several people in an unprovoked attack. This constituted as aptly stated by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "the shot heard round the world." This rebellion soon spread to the other colonies and the situation was aggravated by King George's proclamation that the colonies were engaged in rebellion. With this the war of independence commenced. On the 4th of July 1776 the declaration of independence was adopted and with this the United States of America was formed. Initially the British had to contend with only the Americans but gradually other European powers joined the fray. In France there was a great deal of public support for the American cause and it began to provide aid to the American colonies. Further a treaty of alliance was signed between France and colonies. According to this treaty France would support the colonies in their struggle with the British. This resulted in a war between Britain and France in 1778. The beleaguered British proffered the olive branch to the colonies and on the 3rd of September 1783 the independence, freedom and sovereignty of these American colonies were recognised by Britain. Thus, despite several initial hardships the Americans emerged as a strong and coherent nation (THE ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE: Chapter 3). Subsequent to the achievement of independence Congress passed a resolution on the 10th of May 1776, requiring the colonies to form new governments that would enhance the happiness and safety of their constituents. Accordingly most of the states drew up their own constituents. In order to protect certain rights whose infringement had led to secession from Britain, a bill of rights was incorporated into these constitutions. Some of these were freedom of speech, freedom of elections, freedom of the press and the right to change the government. A major problem faced by this fledgling nation was that of expansion in the western part of the United States. The pioneers had settled here and these places were highly dispersed. Since, they were isolated by mountain ranges and large distances from the political authorities in the east, they had formed their own governments. Moreover, these far flung lands were claimed by several states and no resolution of this dispute seemed to be in sight. This problem of over lapping claims was resolved by states like New York and Virginia, which ceded all their claims to these territories. In this manner national sovereignty was strengthened. This whole area was named as the national north-west territory. It had a bicameral legislation. Initially it had 5000 persons who could exercise their franchise. The new policy repudiated the time-honored concept that colonies existed for the benefit of the mother country, were politically subordinate, and peopled by social inferiors. Instead, it established the principle that colonies ("territories") were an extension of the nation and entitled, not as a privilege but as a right, to all the benefits of equality (THE FORMATION OF A NATIONAL GOVERNMENT: Chapter 4). On the 21st of February 1787 a conference was held in which the Virginia plan was proposed by Madison. The Constitution proposed in this convention was sent for ratification to the 13 states of the Union. Delaware was the first state to ratify it on the 7th of December 1787. Article II of the Constitution, gives the President executive powers. Under these powers the president can appoint federal officials and prosecute federal crimes. The Congress is not empowered to decide as to whether a particular person is to be tried or not. This power is vested solely with the executive. Article III of the Constitution, deals with federal judicial power and the power to conduct trials in the Supreme Court and other federal courts and only the judiciary can deem a person to be guilty (Gilje, Paul A: 2006). A very important problem was posed by the question as to how the government was to exercise the powers conferred on it by the constitution and in this context two very relevant statements were accepted, these are: Congress shall have power ... to make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the ... Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States. ... (Article I, Section 7) This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding. (Article VI) (THE FORMATION OF A NATIONAL GOVERNMENT: Chapter 4). This resulted in the legislation of the United States being enforced in a totally indigenous environment. Finally, the constitution of the United States of America was signed on the 17th of September 1787. This constitution was not without its detractors. The federalists favored a strong central government, whereas the anti federalists wanted loose association of separate states. Moreover, Virginia and New York had abstained from ratifying the constitution. The main opposition to the constitution was the existence of the strong central government, which in the opinion of the anti federalists could tyrannize the people, impose heavy taxes on them and involve them in protracted wars. This dissatisfaction led to the adoption of several amendments to the constitution. Accordingly, Madison made several proposals to this constitution that on acceptance, in 1791, constitute The Bill of Rights. "These are freedom of speech, the press and religion; fair trial for crimes; prohibition of cruel and unusual punishments and other protections against governmental excesses". George Washington was elected the first president of the United States of America. There was no proper government machinery and the US army was very small. The Congress had to create the state department, the treasury, department of war and a federal judiciary comprising of a supreme court, three circuit courts and thirteen district courts. Immigration was taking place at a steadily growing pace and many Americans were settling in the western part of United States. The industrial revolution commenced in the United States at this point of time. Massachusetts and Rhode Island became home to the textile industry. In the states of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania the industries of paper, glass and iron were flourishing and maritime trade had increased enormously. Washington's statesmanship proved indispensable at this crucial juncture in the country's development. Some of his achievements were the organisation of a national government, bringing stability to the north-western frontier and the incorporation of Vermont, Kentucky and Tennessee into the Union. Washington was a true visionary as is evidenced by his exhortation to the nation to "steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world." (THE FORMATION OF A NATIONAL GOVERNMENT: Chapter 4). In the aftermath of the French revolution the terms between the US and France became strained. To compound its problems France commenced to seize ships belonging to the United States. Relations between these two nations deteriorated to such an extent that war seemed inevitable. At this ominous juncture, Napoleon came to power in France; he entered into negotiations with the US and agreed to cease hostilities. However he refused to compensate the US for the ships captured by France. On election as president, Jefferson brought in several welcome changes. Some of these are democratic simplicity, reduction in the pomp and ceremony in the office of the president, and reduction in military expenditure. His parsimony in public and private life was legendary. In his tenure the national debt was reduced drastically. At that point of time Napoleon was desperate to acquire money to defray the expenses of an anticipated war with Britain. Accordingly he sold Louisiana to the US. This deal was the brainchild of Jefferson and resulted in a doubling of the size of the US. In one fell swoop the US had gained a vast multitude of rich plains, mountains, forests and river systems that enriched it enormously. Relations with Britain steadily deteriorated and being unable to countenance the vile deeds of British, America went to war with Britain. The US army was not all that effective in this war with Britain. However, the US navy and American privateers struck significant blows against the British navy. The British army was deprived of naval support. However, the British did not have money for war. Therefore they had accepted the treaty of Ghent 1814. Meanwhile back in the United States, General Andrew Jackson, ignorant of this treaty, comprehensively defeated the British army. This wrote finis to British aspirations to colonise America south of the Canadian border. (THE FORMATION OF A NATIONAL GOVERNMENT: Chapter 4). The above discussion serves to illustrate the reasons for the greatness of its people. Initially it was a mere group of settlers living in colonies following the rules of the European nations that had formed these colonies. Later on these colonists became united and severed relations with their parent country. Moreover, they developed the land and prospered to such a great extent that America became the veritable heaven on the earth. In this respect, the early period of the republic was most critical. Works cited Gilje, Paul A. "Constitutional Convention." Microsoft Encarta 2006 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2005. The Colonial Period. Chapter 2. November 2005. Outline of U.S. History. November 04, 2006. http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/histryotln/colonial.htm THE ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE. Chapter 3. November 2005. Outline of U.S. History. November 04, 2006. http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/histryotln/road.htm THE FORMATION OF A NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. Chapter 4. Outline of U.S. History. November 04, 2006. http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/histryotln/national.htm Read More