Federal Farmer XII - Electing Representatives
In Federal Farmer XII, an Anti-Federalist author discusses the mode of elections under the US Constitution.
Federal Farmer XII
January 12, 1788
In Federal Farmer XII, an Anti-Federalist author discusses the mode of elections under the US Constitution.
He touches on what makes one eligible to be elected before discussing the process by which States may choose Representatives.
Fixed Eligibility
The Farmer starts this Paper by pointing out that while the Constitution specifically fixes who can NOT be elected to the House of Representatives (not yet 25, not a resident of the State and not a citizen for seven years) it does not clarify who CAN be elected.
He points out that both religious and ethnic minorities technically qualify as well as convicts.
While this may sound bigoted to our modern ears, his overarching point is that, “many men may be elected, who cannot be electors.”
(It is also interesting that he leaves women out of the conversations entirely.)
Districts
The Farmer then spends a significant part of the Paper discussing districts, or rather, the lack thereof.
He notes that most States use plurality voting instead of majority voting, meaning a candidate could be elected by getting more votes than anyone else...not by getting 51% support.
Because of this, the fear is that a handful of people from bigger cities will always be sent as Representatives with rural citizens being totally left out of Federal decision making.
To remedy this, the Farmer suggests either adding official districts or increasing the number of members of Congress.
Who Regulates Elections?
This Paper closes with a lengthy review regarding who makes the laws for elections.
The Constitution gives the States authority for regulating elections but the Federal Government can make adjustments when needed.
The Farmer sees this as a pointless rule that will lead to a tug-of-war between the two until the election process itself is destroyed.
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