Brutus 1

Why did Brutus support a smaller government than that proposed in the US Constitution?

• Under the Articles, powers given to the central government proved to be sufficient.

• Powers given to government are NOT likely to be returned willingly to the people, but are more likely to be expanded and held over the people. 

How did Brutus feel about the Necessary and Proper Clause (aka the Elastic Clause) and  the Supremacy Clause?

He proposed:

• The necessary and proper clause combined with the Supremacy clause would ensure limitless power / authority to the central (Federal) government.

• BOTH these clauses were essential for dealing with government emergencies.

• The necessary and proper clause would be essential, but the Supremacy clause would ensure federal dominance over state governments.

Which distribution of power did Brutus prefer?

• Strong central / national / federal power over states

• States' Rights upheld and guaranteed by the new constitution

Brutus held that granting the federal government the power to tax would create problems because:

• The power to lay and collect (levy) taxes is one of the most important; and the states were best suited to tax the people.  States could then provide ALL necessary revenue for the functioning of the central government ~ just as they did under the Articles.

• The power to lay and collect (levy) taxes is one of the most important powers of government; and that power could become a source of unlimited authority, creating a tyranny over the people.

Why did Brutus oppose the federal government's power to raise and maintain a "standing" army?

• Allowing a standing army during peacetime could pose a direct threat to individual liberties.

• The cost of maintaining a standing army during peacetime would require additional taxation, forcing a greater burden upon the people.

What are some of Brutus' greatest concerns re. Article I, Section 8 of the proposed US Constitution?  (Select the 3 that Apply)

• Even though some powers are reserved for the states, the Federal government may eventually swallow up those powers and render the states powerless.

• The federal government could use its Necessary and Proper and Supremacy clauses to create laws intended to reduce (or eliminate) state powers and individual liberties.

• States may voluntarily relinquish (give up) their powers to the central government.

• The federal government could mobilize its standing army to expand and enforce its (limitless) powers to reduce (or eliminate) state sovereignty and individual liberties. 

Which type of republic did Brutus believe would be best suited to govern the "United" States?

• A large republic

• A small republic

Brutus believed that (ideally) smaller republics should be made-up of:

• A variety of people with diverse manners, sentiments, and interests.

• Similar people with similar manners, sentiments, and interests.