DBQ Federalists and Democratic-Republicans Essay Example

9th, 1814. Webster argues, "If the secretary of war can prove Congress's right to enact legislation transferring troops from the reserves to the regular army, he can just as easily prove that Congress has the power to create a dictator." This quote contains beliefs typically associated with Democratic Republicans rather than Federalists.

The sentiment of Democratic Republicans includes a belief in states rights, a negative view of Federal authority over provinces, and the assertion that increasing Federal power is a step towards dictatorship.

The argument for states' rights, often made by proponents of a strict interpretation of the Constitution, suggests that not all Federalists interpreted the Constitution loosely. However, this speech appeared to have little impact on the ongoing conflict. The war of 1812 (referred to as Mr. Madison's war by Federalists) concluded only a few weeks later. Federalists generally opposed this war with Britain, indicating that Webster may have made this statement more out of anger towards the war rather than genuine beliefs. It is worth noting that the event Webster mentions occurred in 1814 when Congress was under the control of Democratic-Republicans who would have been against enlisting militiamen into the national army.

Senate. and the White House. -1814 marked the last year with significant Federalist influence in Congress, as they attempted to form a separate faction in 1815 during the Hartford Convention. The findings and statements of the Hartford Convention demonstrate the Federalists' support for a broad interpretation of the constitution.

In the declaration, the participants, many of whom were Federalists, proposed adopting several amendments to the fundamental law by the provinces. While this may seem unremarkable, the fact that they were seeking to align

province laws with national law demonstrates a strong preference for Federal authority over state authority. This aligns with Federalist principles and loose interpretations of the constitution, as they are suggesting three changes to various state laws. The Federalists are taking a stance against state rights, which are guaranteed in the constitution, and requesting that the states adhere to federal law. This could be seen as a loose interpretation, considering that powers not granted to the national government are given to the states by the 10th amendment. The three proposed amendments appear to limit the power of the government, which is more in line with Democratic-Republican ideals. This could suggest that it was intended to garner bipartisan support in the states.

The Hartford Convention was also notable for marking the unofficial demise of the Federalist party, as the resolutions put forth threatened to declare New England independent from the union if the government did not comply, which the mostly Democratic-Republican populated nation saw as disloyal. One of the proposed amendments deemed it unlawful to enforce an embargo for more than 60 days, which is intriguing considering that leading up to the war with Britain, many Federalists were advocating for disregarding the embargo on Britain. Despite the Democratic-Republicans having control of Congress, the Senate, and the presidency before the Hartford Convention.

The negative response to the statements presented at the Hartford Convention ensured a near one-party rule for the Democratic-Republicans up until the mid-1800s. An additional document that demonstrates the varying interpretations of the Constitution between Democratic-Republicans and Federalists is John Randolph's address before Congress in 1816. Randolph, a meticulous interpreter of the Constitution, points out in this

address individuals he believes are deviating from the principles of President Jefferson's administration that propelled them to power. "We have further evidence that the current administration (the Madison administration) has abandoned Jefferson's true Republican principles..." In this address, Randolph specifically calls out Democratic-Republican President James Madison.

In the text, it is implied that James Madison, a member of the Democratic Republican Party, is facing accusations of straying from the principles set by Thomas Jefferson. Criticism arises from Madison's choice to increase taxes on the middle class, seen as beneficial for manufacturers. This move questions the party's dedication to interpreting the Constitution flexibly since many Democratic-Republicans advocated for states to have sole responsibility in imposing taxes. Nevertheless, despite supporting state tax authority, Madison went ahead and raised national tax rates.

is an extremely relaxed interpretation.