Question

Could it be argued that the Federalists, having prevailed in the constitutional ratification debate, mounted a counter-revolution in the 1790s? Was the original "Spirit of '76" compromised in any ways?

Answer 1

The Federalist wanted to ratify the constitution but the anti-Federalist did not. The Fedaralis felt that this addition was not necessary because they believed that the constituion as it stood only limited the goverment not the people. Federal power wanted a strong Fed eral goverment to hold the nation together. State power believed that state are ultimately subordinate to the Federal goverment. Rhodes Island was the only state not to send deligates to the constitutional Convention in 1787. Eventually due to succession threat from province, Newport andBristol are fearing reprisals from other 12 ratifying states.Rhode Island held a convention and ratified constitution in 1790.There where several reasons for Rhode resistance including its concern for the constitution gave too much power to the central goverment at the expense of the states.

Spirit of 76 is a sentiment popularised by Thomas Jefferson. The principle uotlined in the Declaration of Independence promised to lead America into a new era of freedom. Spirit of 76 refers to the attitude of self determination and individual liberty made manifest in the U.S declaration of Independence. Then declaration by the second continental congress is the birth certificate of US All men are created equall, that thy are endowed by their creator with unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and pursuit of happiness. On the day of independence the bold actions taken by the Foundering Fathers should serve as a model for todays congress. In 1776 the deligates felt passionately about which course of action would be best. Initally they were not pulling in the same direction, partly because of intructions from the legislative. But despite their disagreements, they are recognized a greater role that was worth more than political pressure from home.They put their quarrels aside and vote for independence.