“An opinion prevails that there is no longer any distinction, that The Republicans & Federalists are completely amalgamated but it is not so. The amalgamation is of name only, not of principle. All indeed call themselves by the name of Republicans, because that of Federalists was extinguished in the battle of New Orleans. But the truth is that finding that monarchy is a desperate wish in this country, they rally to the point which they think next best, a consolidated government. Their aim is now therefore to break down the rights reserved by the constitution to the states as a bulwark against that consolidation, the fear of which produced the whole of the opposition to the constitution at its birth. Hence new Republicans in Congress, preaching the doctrines of the old Federalists, and the new nick-names of Ultras and Radicals. But I trust they will fail under the new, as the old name, and that the friends of the real constitution and union will prevail against consolidation, as they have done against monarchism. I scarcely know myself which is most to be deprecated, a consolidation, or dissolution of the states. The horrors of both are beyond the reach of human foresight.”
– Written by Thomas Jefferson in the early 1820s
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Saturday, February 13th, 2010 (url)
Amazing! After reading the above words, and despite what The Constitution (as ratified by the states), instructed, we can see, very little has changed over the years, in regards to party politics, in The United States.
As with the left today, The Federalists, then, were attempting to strengthen the federal government, and consolidate the country under one government, as opposed to the individual (sovereign) states. Sadly, to a some extent, Hamilton's dream must have come true, today.
Sure enough, most Americans love their country as a whole; however, reality (let alone The Constitution) dictates, with 50 states, just as with the 13 original states, each state has individual goals and ideals for their respective states, and will likely, never except full (nationalization) consolidation. As Jefferson said, the idea of consolidation, and secession, both were frightening thoughts; and as we all know, secession did come, and likely will come again, unless the state's sovereignty is fully recognized, and respected by the federal government.
Apparently, Jefferson was saying the exact same thing many conservatives are saying today: "Republican In Name Only"
Saturday, February 13th, 2010 (url)
Some may already know this, but for those who do not, allow me to explain:
A few years after the ratification of The Constitution, sadly, there were still differing governing philosophies in our country. In 1791, Alexander Hamilton formed The Federalist Party; in response, one year later, Jefferson and Madison formed The Democrat-Republican Party, in an attempt to stay true to the ratifying principles of our Constitution.
After The War of 1812, The Federalist Party fell apart, but The Democrat-Republican Party remained; which, as we can see by Jefferson's words, was divided between The Federalists, and true Republicans.
While many who believed in the original understanding of The Constitution, called themselves Republicans from the inception of The Democrat-Republican Party, The Republican Party of today, was not officially created until 1854. The modern Democrat Party was created in 1844.
Interestingly, for some years, it was The Democrats, led by Andrew Jackson, who seemed to adopt much of The Jeffersonian principles, while The National Republican Party (1825–1833), led by John Quincy Adams, evolved into The Whig Party.
And this has been one of my long-standing problems with political parties:
As we can see, over the years, they have changed platforms, and principles; therefore, we shouldn't be so shocked that some in The Republican Party of today, don't hold true to the original Jeffersonian principles. And to that extent, in my opinion, the name a party uses, can be very misleading, and has been for many years. I would prefer to vote for individuals, who through their record, fall in line with Jeffersonian principles, as opposed to voting for a person merely because they called themselves a Republican.
I maintain a belief that parties will continue to change platforms in order to win votes from different constituents and geographics. Therefore, to call yourself a Republican, in principle, is a noble thing, as it relates to the original understanding our founding principles, and Constitution; however, don't allow yourself to misled simply because that name is being affixed to a political party.
Monday, March 1st, 2010 (url)
“The several states composing the United States of America are not united on the principle of unlimited submission to their general government.” – Thomas Jefferson
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 (url)
Please see:
George Washington on the danger of political parties
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The public good is disregarded in the conflicts of rival parties