Federal Farmer IV: Not-So-Clearly Defined Powers
The Federal Farmer IV is a response to James Wilson's Statehouse Yard Speech.
Federal Farmer IV
October 12, 1787
The Federal Farmer IV is an Anti-Federalist response to James Wilson's Statehouse Yard Speech.
Though he does not specifically name Wilson, he does argue Wilson's claim that the Constitution has clearly defined powers.
Defining Taxes
The Farmer begins his argument by going back to that old Anti-Federalist favorite...taxes.
He notes that the Constitution apportions taxes among the States but does not clarify whether those taxes are collected from the States or from individuals.
According to the author, this proves Wilson wrong in his assessment that the new Government's powers are clearly defined.
Exceptions
The Farmer moves next to Congress' power over the Executive and Judicial Branches.
He points out that Article 2 allows Congress to appoint "inferior officers" to assist the President in any capacity they see fit.
To the Farmer, this itself seems open-ended, plus he questions why Congress would not just add all these extra tasks to the President himself.
Additionally, the Courts have appellate jurisdiction but, "with such Exceptions...as the Congress should make."
He asks straight away...what are these exceptions.
Unsecure
The Farmer closes this paper with a lengthy discussion of the powers of the Constitution that he views as unsecure.
First, he points out that treaties made with other nations are the supreme law of the land. Why, he asks, don't these treaties have to fall in line with the Constitution itself?
Next, he falls back to another Anti-Federalist favorite and questions if the ability to do anything Necessary and Proper gives the Government a general power to do ANY.
The Farmer concludes with a cry for a Bill of Rights followed by a criticism of the Amendment process, assuming that as power is accumulated in the hands of a few, those in charge will become ever more resistant to any changes in the structure of government.
If you would like to read the original text of Federal Farmer IV, click here to read it for FREE.
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