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Letter to Editor
April 3, 1788
The New York Journal, And Daily Patriotic Register
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in North-Carolina dated March 3, criticizing the proposed U.S. Constitution as leading to aristocratic government, impolitic due to diverse state situations, creating officer competition and confusion, and dangerous without a bill of rights. References a writer 'Aristides' defending it.
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Full Text
Extract of a letter from a gentleman of distinction in North-Carolina, dated March 3.
The new constitution is the general topic in every company—in general it is exploded. You will perhaps remember that when I had the pleasure of your company, I often observed, that we were on the eve of an aristocratic government. The proposed constitution may prove a harbinger, and the fourth section of the first article is a proper foundation to erect the grand fabric. Is it not impolitic to give the federal head legislative powers, as the local situation of the United States are so different, that no general regulation can pervade the whole, without being prejudicial to some part of the union? A government, within a government, will ever create a competition between the officers, and be productive of confusion and disorders. Unlimited powers, without a bill of rights to prove a criterion, is surely dangerous to the liberty of the citizens. A writer, by the signature of Aristides, has labored to gild the bitter pill, but no art or sophistry can alter the nature of things.
The new constitution is the general topic in every company—in general it is exploded. You will perhaps remember that when I had the pleasure of your company, I often observed, that we were on the eve of an aristocratic government. The proposed constitution may prove a harbinger, and the fourth section of the first article is a proper foundation to erect the grand fabric. Is it not impolitic to give the federal head legislative powers, as the local situation of the United States are so different, that no general regulation can pervade the whole, without being prejudicial to some part of the union? A government, within a government, will ever create a competition between the officers, and be productive of confusion and disorders. Unlimited powers, without a bill of rights to prove a criterion, is surely dangerous to the liberty of the citizens. A writer, by the signature of Aristides, has labored to gild the bitter pill, but no art or sophistry can alter the nature of things.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Political
What themes does it cover?
Constitutional Rights
Politics
What keywords are associated?
New Constitution
Aristocratic Government
Federal Powers
Bill Of Rights
United States Diversity
Liberty Danger
Letter to Editor Details
Main Argument
the proposed constitution is criticized as a harbinger of aristocratic government, impolitic for granting federal legislative powers over diverse states, likely to cause confusion and disorders, and dangerous due to unlimited powers without a bill of rights.
Notable Details
References Aristides Defending The Constitution
Critiques Fourth Section Of First Article
Warns Of Government Within A Government