Revolutionary Republicanism Paige Turner
July 3, 2008
“ A Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be
restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever,” John Adams.
As we move into another election year, the term Revolutionary Republicanism
comes to mind. This political mindset separated America from the rest of the
world before, during, and after the Revolutionary War. There was boldness
unmatched throughout history to create the most powerful Republic on earth
through this new political philosophy.
Revolutionary Republicanism is not taught in the average Political Science 101
classes in American Universities or Colleges today. The Ideology in itself
promotes ideas that are not implemented in this nation’s political system.
Politicians and leaders during the Revolution possessed a deep burning
passion for freedom never before found in history. They held dear their values
and the freedoms that were exhibited by the first settlers that came to this
country.
The victory during the Revolution brought forth a need for an identity of who
the people were and what would set them apart from the rest of the world.
The Revolution brought about camaraderie and uniqueness among the
American people. These ideas permeated American’s way of thinking and the
people declared themselves a new people, a new race because they did not
consider themselves English. They were Americans.
The question arising during that time was: What would set the colonist apart
from the rest of the world and England? They did not differ much in customs,
language, laws, fashions, medicine, or any other area. In all of this great grand
culture, there was nothing unique other than calling themselves Americans.
Deep within themselves, the Patriots knew there was nothing that separated
them from the rest of the world. They had rejected a monarchial system of
government. They knew they must develop a Republic for the good of the
whole society but had to find a way to bring the Republic into an existence
that would be for the people and by the people. Americans had rejected a
hierarchal society and longed for a different unexplored new way of life.
American’s threw aside the notion power came from God to the crown.
Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence that the power came from
God to nature. Therefore, through these beliefs, the patriot’s ultimate goal was
to balance Liberty and Power.
The Patriots knew political power in the hand of the government always
corrupted. They also knew at the other end stood Liberty that never moved but
could be easily devoured bit by bit through a corrupt government. They knew
they had to find a way to protect Liberty for the people. The Founding Fathers
feared democracy because they knew of the horrors of the Tyranny of the
Majority. Therefore, the Patriots contemplated placing the power in the hands
of the government and knew the Republic could not stand long if this took
place for they knew power would corrupt.
The idea and philosophy of Revolutionary Republicanism offered a new
political solution. The Power should come from the bottom up from the
responsible self-regulated will of the people. During this day and age this was
considered an insane idea, Political power in the hands of the people?
Moreover, there was something that stood apart during that time to make this
new idea work, this was called Public Virtue; the people’s willingness to put
what was best for the Republic before their own private interest. The political
social order came from the public order, resting on the shoulders of each
individual. They believed there were enough Americans to make Public Virtue
successful through a daily and pragmatic venue.
By implementing this philosophy, Americans were bought into the political
process. Elections radically changed because there were more elections and
the number of voters doubled over a very short period of time. Because
Revolutionary Republicanism had so permeated into the hearts and minds of
the people, the average American citizen carried a copy of the Constitution
with them in 1790.
The desire to be different became evident in the political make up of
Americans because of the philosophy put forth by the idea of Revolutionary
Republicanism. Because of the participation of the people during this time, we
can once again celebrate another year of freedom. The importance of the
involvement of the people shows through the history of our ancestors and the
intention of the Patriots during the development of our nation.
The question today is: Are we ready to take back the power in our hands and
let “Public Virtue” be entrusted among us as a people once again?
focalpointusa@hotmail.com
Focal Point USA, 2007-2008
Your Internet News Source
All Rights Reserved
For me anyway... I believe a nation that wishes to remain free, and successful, must expand. America no longer believes in expansionism. Without a "frontier" we stagnate and over populate. Unfortunately, with almost 7 billion people on this earth there are very few areas to consider for expansion. The few areas that exist are usually populated with fanatical fundametalists that would require a passification beyond what the "World Body" would accept. So, like all great nations, America too will one day die an inglorious death usually from within. We may be seeing this actually happening in our lifetimes and our children or their children will see it's fall.
