Questions for
The Constitution as Counterrevolution:
A Tribute to the Anti-Federalists
by Jeffrey Rogers Hummel
Introduction
What is the “standard myth” of the Constitution’s adoption, according to Hummel?
According to Hummel, what were the goals of the two groups that made up the Revolutionary coalition?
“Radicals”
“Nationalists”
With which group does Hummel side?
Financing the War
Why did the Continental Congress and the government under the Articles of Confederation have trouble financing the Revolutionary War effort?
The Articles of Confederation
In general, what was the goal of Roger Morris’ financial program?
A Financial Disaster & The Coming of Peace
How did the end of the Revolutionary War affect nationalist policies of taxation and maintaining a standing army?
War Debt
Why was debt (which is usually considered a burden) a condition that could be used to the advantage of the nationalists?
Regulation of Trade
To what extent did trade problems plague the United States under the Articles of Confederation?
An Anti-Democratic Mood
What were the causes of Shays’ Rebellion? And why did the rebellion alarm the “governing classes” of the United States?
Nationalist-Dominated Convention
Why was the Constitutional Convention dominated by nationalist ideas proposed by the “elite”?
The Struggle for Ratification
What elements of the Constitution elevated the power of the national government over the states?
Why does Hummel claim that the term “Federalist” is a misnomer for supporters of constitutional ratification?
A Bill of Rights
What arguments did Federalists offer to those who complained about the lack of a bill of rights in the Constitution?
How did the lack of a bill of rights affect the state-by-state ratification process?
The State Consolidated Its Grip
What aspects of Morris’ financial plan did Alexander Hamilton implement when George Washington appointed him Secretary of the Treasury?
Why did Walter Millis claim that “the Constitution was as much a military as a political and economic charter”?
How did the government’s response to the Whisky Rebellion demonstrate the new powers of the national government?
The Republican Party & The Anti-Federalist Victory
Who were the main leaders of the (Democratic) Republican Party?
According to Hummel, with which group – Federalists or Anti-Federalists – did the (Democratic) Republican Party sympathize?
Why does Hummel claim that “the Federalists got their Constitution but the Anti-Federalists determined how it would be interpreted”?
Wrap-Up Questions
This article takes a libertarian perspective on history. Research “libertarianism” or the “Libertarian Party” and briefly describe their views.
Do you think it would be wise to adopt a more Libertarian/Anti-Federalist conception for the role of the American government today? Support your answer.