Factions In The Enlightenment

Kant suggests that if this is achieved, and all people think independently, a society will govern itself, create its own laws – or, at least, proposals for them, which would be sent to the crown – and naturally fall into a state of order (Kant, [1784] 2013). Therefore, social order can be achieved without a “Machiavellian” leader, that being one who exercises absolute control over citizens. Oppositely to Machiavelli, Kant’s ideal ruler is one who “considers it his duty … not to prescribe anything to his people, but to allow them complete freedom.” (Kant, [1784] 2013, p.

A heart cannot run a body alone. Likewise, a government does not operate a nation by itself. Individuals help maintain the justice of authority. To prosper in a just and moral way, America must stand united. Thoreau demonstrates the accountability between the two parties: “The government itself, which is only the mode which the people have chosen to execute their will, is equally liable to be abused and perverted” (Thoreau, 1849/1998, p. 127).

Those fears were unwarranted because the Constitution, did not allow the government to oppressed the citizens of the nation. Because of the checks and balances written in by the founding fathers. These checks and balance made sure that the government would always do what the will of the people wanted. Jefferson would not compromise and lobbied his policies instead. He even went as far as to say “Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers…alone.

This happens so that no group will dominate over another group and to keep the stronger groups from combining. If the stronger groups combine with each other and began to form against the weaker small groups, liberty will be lost within the system of government and as a whole. Madison basically reiterates what he said in federalist number 10 by showing conflicts of interest when people join various groups. His main focus was to identify how he can decrease the risk. “But it is not possible to give to each department an equal power of self-defense.

Political rivals could stop plans from moving forward because they disliked the writer of those plans. Alexander Hamilton wrote, “The only enemy that the republic had to fear is the effects of political parties. It will prevent the government from achieving its goals and create disorder…”(Document 2). Alexander Hamilton wrote this document to criticize his opponents, however in this he also criticizes political parties. Also in the same letter he states, “...harmful to the principles of good government and dangerous to the union, peace and happiness of this country…” In that document he was talking about the head of the rival party.

Liberty: The Preservation Then and Now I. Preface “If men were angels, no government would be necessary” (Madison, 1). Madison uses this example to express that men need a strong government. The previous governing document of The United States, The Articles of Confederation, emphasized the freedom from national authority but ultimately failed. People, mostly the Antifederalists, were scared for a document that put such a great amount of power back into a national government; the last thing they wanted was a tyranny.

The Federalists wanted a strong central government. The Anti- Federalists claims Constitution gives the central government too much power and, and they worried about the new constitution will not give them any rights. That the new system threatened freedom; Also, threatened the sovereignty of the states and personal liberties; failed to protect individual rights. Besides, some of famous peoples such as " Patrick Henry" and artists have came out against the Constitution. Although the anti-Federalists were unsuccessful in stopping the passage of the Constitution, their efforts have been responsible for the creation and implementation of the Bill of

People are naturally distrustful of an executive. If there were to be a new convention it is quite possible that the executive will be nurtured out of fear of their previous power. Furthermore, I think his argument shows a weakness wherein he seems to disregard the need for emergency powers. Levinson’s claims up to this point seem to be that through more democracy we will have a better system. However, this does not seem to be the case, the most distrusted branch of government is the one closest to the people, the congress.

Not many people today, nor back then really agreed on many things such as should wars happen, the way the government should be taken care of, and who should run for office. However, Henry David Thoreau, Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela thought otherwise. These three intellectual individuals reflect the spirt of optimism and individualism, however only Gandhi and Nelson Mandela made a true change for their community. Many people might know Henry David Thoreau because of his famous essay titled “Civil Disobedience”. In this essay Thoreau describes how he doesn’t want to be part of a nation that declares that they’re an “equal” government that declares they’re being “equal” when really majority always ruled.

For example, Machiavelli would see the Revolution more than likely repulsive. He did not believe in caring for the people and he took brutal actions to prove so. His experience in violent politics influenced his idea on how government should be, and he believed the correct form of government was absolute monarchy. The American Revolution showed a revolt against the leader, a government made for the people, and a shared rule of power between branches. All of these things would most likely make Machiavelli outraged and cause him to be extremely upset with the outcome of the American Revolution.