Federal Farmer V - Necessary Amendments
In Federal Farmer V, an Anti-Federalist author concludes his first round of observations with a plea to the Ratification Conventions to propose Amendments if they accept the Constitution.
Federal Farmer V
October 13, 1787
In Federal Farmer V, an anonymous Anti-Federalist author concludes his first series of observations on the Constitution.
At the time, this was expected to be the last Federal Farmer, but the success of the pamphlets led to more publications the following January.
A Needed Change
In this Paper, the Farmer acknowledges the need for changes to the Articles of Confederation.
Additionally (and surprisingly), he admits that there are some very good things within the United States Constitution.
However, he once again cautions the people from being too hasty in accepting the document, dedicating much of the essay to reminding the reader of the need to seriously consider every word.
Factions
The Farmer then moves on to discuss the Factions (AKA political parties) that he felt were unfairly leading the political conversation of the day.
One Faction are the lawless rebels who were fighting against the State Governments (he specifically references the Shaysites).
On the other hand, he criticizes the Aristocrats, namely, the people pushing for a speedy adoption of the Constitution.
Caught in the middle were the majority of the citizens of the United States, who were not tied to either extreme. These are the people whose responsibility it was to make sure the new nation was created properly.
Amendments
The Farmer then discusses the Ratification Conventions which would soon be called together to decide whether or not the new Government should be adopted.
He takes a more conciliatory approach in this Paper than in his previous ones.
Instead of simply telling the Delegates to reject the Constitution outright, he demands that, should they accept it, the Conventions recommend Amendments. He also wants the addition of these Amendments to be a mandatory piece of each States’ ratification.
This, the Farmer acknowledges, would be difficult as the States were not working as one body.
He believed, however, that upon careful reflection, all thinking members of society would understand the necessity of this maneuver.
If you would like to read the original text of Federal Farmer V, click here to read it for FREE.
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