John Adams: Classical Republican Analytical Essay by Nicky
John Adams: Classical Republican
An analysis of John Adams' political ideas as representing classical Republicanism.
# 128965
| 2,778 words
| 5 sources
| MLA
| 2010
| 
Published
on Aug 19, 2010
in
History
(U.S. Presidency)
, Political Science
(U.S.)
, History
(U.S. Birth of the Nation 1750-1800)
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Description:
This paper looks at the political ideas of John Adams from a contemporary perspective, and analyzes the three main political concepts that lie at the basis of his political system: meritorious service to the republic, a just distribution of fame, and the dangers of corruption represented by the public triumphs of inauthentic men. The writer examines Adams's political ideas as a symbol of classical Republicanism, a political order which was based on merit and not upon birth or wealth. The aim of the paper is to investigate Adams's hierarchy of values in which politics comes before economy, and concludes with explaining why Adams was disappointed with contemporary political life.
From the Paper:
"John Adams has been portrayed as an archetypal American conservative, and a Puritan who was always complaining about not getting enough public recognition, and that his peers were unrightfully benefitting from his deeds. However, in order to truly understand Adams's political thought, one must link him to the classical republican tradition, and attempt to get a more profound understanding of his values. Adams believed in the primacy of politics, and meritorious public men whose virtues and talents would translate into their service to the republic. Adams studied the classical republican model of Rome, and understood that republican politics could be rooted in the human appetite for fame."Sample of Sources Used:
- Miroff, Bruce. "John Adams: Merit, Fame, and Political Leadership," The Journal of Politics, Vol. 48, No. 1 (Feb., 1986): pp. 116-132
- Ferling, John. Setting the World Ablaze: Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and the American Revolution. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.
- Morse, Anson, "The Politics of John Adams," The American Historical Review Vol. 4, No. 2,
- Morse, Jr., John T. John Adams. Read Books, 2007.
- Halford, Ryan, ed. U.S. Presidents as Orators: A Bio-Critical Sourcebook. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1995.
Cite this Analytical Essay:
APA Format
John Adams: Classical Republican (2010, August 19)
Retrieved November 28, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/analytical-essay/john-adams-classical-republican-128965/
MLA Format
"John Adams: Classical Republican" 19 August 2010.
Web. 28 November. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/analytical-essay/john-adams-classical-republican-128965/>