Constitutional Ratification

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, in the ratification debate over the Constitution, Madison's perspective appears more persuasive because it is clear that his observations concerning selfish and ambitious human motivations and inherent character weaknesses are accurate. The author points out that Madison felt that the Constitution must address these issues and establish safeguards against them. The paper relates that protecting the citizenry from governmental abuses of power caused by ambition, political faction, and human motivations and weaknesses could only be achieved by the constitutional measures Madison supported.

From the Paper:

""Gentlemen of this convention, I stand before you as an advocate of the Constitution, and submit to you that it must be ratified if this nation is to truly attain the ideals of freedom and self-government that we all fought for with such dedication during the War of Independence." A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions. Such advice is still relevant, for precautions against government power is the only effective way to preserve the rights of citizens. (Madison) The separation of power established by the Constitution will preserve us from the danger of factions, for ambition must be made to counteract ambition."

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• Essay # 88984 : "Anti-Federalists and the Constitutional Debate"
• Analytical Essay # 15892 : "Reseaching Constitutional Amendments"

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