Brutus 1

Written By Jonathan Milner

Definition

Brutus was the pen name of an Anti-Federalist in a series of essays designed to encourage New Yorkers to reject the proposed Constitution. His series of arguments paralleled and confronted The Federalist Papers during the ratification fight over the Constitution. Brutus published 16 essays in the New-York Journal, and Weekly Register, beginning shortly before The Federalist started appearing in New York newspapers. The Federalist Papers were a series of eighty-five essays urging the citizens of New York to ratify the new United States Constitution. Written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, the essays originally appeared anonymously in New York newspapers in 1787 and 1788 under the pen name "Publius."

Brutus 1 argues that a free republic cannot exist in such a large territory as the United States. He uses the examples of the Greek and Roman republics that became tyrannical as their territory grew. He states that a true free republic comes from the people, not representatives of the people. Written in 1787, In his first essay, Brutus considered whether or not the thirteen states should be reduced to one republic as the Federalists proposed. After examining various clauses in the Constitution, he determined that this would essentially create a federal government that will “possess absolute and uncontrollable power…” Brutus pointed to the Necessary and Proper Clause and the Supremacy Clause as sources of immense power conferred upon the federal government by the Constitution. According to Brutus, the two clauses essentially render the various State governments powerless. Although Brutus 1 and the arguments of the Anti-Federalists did not win the battle at the Constitutional Convention, their ideas are a strong current in American political ideology and are widely embraced in contemporary political thought.

Example

 
 

Questions

  1. Who was the author of Brutus 1?

  2. Why did the Anti-Federalists write the Anti-Federalists papers, such as Brutus 1?

  3. What was the main point Brutus 1 was trying to make?

  4. What is the main thing the author of Brutus 1 is scared about in the Constitution?

  5. Think of an example of the ideas from Brutus 1 or the Anti-Federalism movement in current events:

  6. Find an image of Brutus 1 or find an emoji that represents its main idea:

  7. What would Robert Yates, the author of Brutus 1 think about the state of America today?

  8. Do you agree with the author of Brutus 1 about the dangers of a large republic?

  9. If the Anti-Federalists had won and the Constitution had not been ratified, how different would our country be today?

  10. If you had to rank all the 9 foundational documents from most to least important, where would you rank Brutus 1?

  11. What is the main point of the following quotation from Brutus 1? “The first question that presents itself on the subject is, whether a confederated government be the best for the United States or not? Or in other words, whether the thirteen United States should be reduced to one great republic, governed by one legislature, and under the direction of one executive and judicial; or whether they should continue thirteen confederated republics, under the direction and controul of a supreme federal head for certain defined national purposes only?”

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw Brutus 1. Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review

Foundational Documents Pack with Completed Rubrics Updated for 2024
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Foundational Documents Pack with Completed Rubrics Updated for 2024
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The resource includes a comprehensive range of materials such as lessons, backgrounders, activities, graphic organizers, and completed rubrics tailored specifically for each of the nine required foundational documents. This collection has been updated for the year 2024, featuring new graphic organizers to enhance the learning experience and support educators in their teaching efforts.

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Glossary

Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
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