Discusses issues involving America and its form of government. Also included possible new forms of government for America. by Levi S.
(centrist)
Monday, May 3, 2010
November 15, 1777, Thomas Jefferson signs the Articles of Confederation. The Articles of Confederation were the first Constitution formed for America. These Articles made America a Confederation. Of course though, later on the Articles of Confederation were ratified and replaced by the current Constitution of America, making America a republic. But, which form of government would work better for America? Of course each form has its pros and its cons.
First we will look at a Confederation; A Confederation is a form of government that has a central power that holds states loosely together forming a nation, but instead of the federal government controlling the states, the states control the federal government, making their own decisions freely. It is an almost perfect form of government for a country with multiple states.
Now a Republic; Lets look at some historical Republics in America: The Republic of Texas, the Republic of Western Florida, the Vermont Republic, and The Bear Republic of California. Notice anything? None of these Republics have separate states. Why? Because a Republic isn't set up to hold multiple states. A Republic focuses on a central government, one main power that controls it all. If America is truly a Republic, then why do we have states? Why not just make America one country, just America? In a Republic, you cannot have multiple states and run everything like you are supposed to in a Republic, because then, the power is spread, but there is still one main power. Of course, these smaller powers and governments that make up the states are going to be extremely restricted by the Federal Government in a Republic
Now lets look at the benefits of a Confederation of States; We are all aware of the Health Care Bill recently passed. I am sure we are also well aware of the fact that multiple states are suing the Federal Government over their Constitutionality, mainly over the 10th Amendment. If America were a Confederation, this whole ordeal would never have happened, the states would have gotten to choose, and no states would be doing anything that they didn't want to do. It would be a much more civil relationship between the states and the federal government. No disagreements, because each state controls itself.
There are many possible ways of making a Confederation. One, of course, is revolution. The simple rights provided in the Constitution that states that we the people are allowed to change the government if we ever feel as though the current government is going against the constitution. The other option, is a disputable one, but one that is also beginning to receive recognition as a possibility; Secession. I have a metaphor to explain why secession may be needed: Let’s say the Federal Government of America under a republic is a house, and it’s an old house. It’s now a house that has had so many irresponsible owners that now, the foundation is weak, and cannot be fixed without the house falling. And instead of even trying to fix the house, the owners just keep painting it, making it look good. But the house will fall one day. So what would a person do if they saw that this house was about to fall right on top of them? Move, leave, start to build a new house on new ground, and with a better stronger foundation. That’s the smart thing to do. Secede before Americas foundation fails.
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The views expressed
in this article are those of Levi S. only and
do not represent the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates.
Levi S. is solely responsible for the contents
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