University:
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Course:
PS 140 | Introduction to International Relations
Academic year:

2019
Views:

357

Pages:

1
Author:

Ean Mason

1. Identify the assumptions Brutus implies about the nature of humans. Brutus implies the assumption that humans enjoy having power and once the power gets taken away it cannot be given back. He also makes the assumption that the government is being held by human nature. 2. Identify the claims resulting from those assumptions. The claims made from the assumption are that human nature tends to abuse and take for granted power that it receives, and this power is very present in the government. 3. Explain the reasoning Brutus uses to support his claims. "There is nothing precious to human nature, nothing lovely to freeman, save what is within its power," Brutus argues in defense of his views (paragraph 8). He goes on to outline the capabilities that human nature possesses, including the "capacity to enact laws that impact the life, liberty, and property of every individual in the United States." Brutus thinks that human nature wields authority inside the government in this scene. Brutus also says, "Besides, it is a truth proved by the unerring experience of centuries, invested with force, and eternally bent to enhance it, and to win a dominance over everything that stands in their way" (paragraph 12). It is possible to feel confident in this remark. 4. Identify the constitutional clause that worries Brutus the most (paragraph 8 and 11), and explain why it is such a cause of concern to him. The Necessary and Proper provision in paragraphs 8 and 11 is the constitutional clause that most concerns Brutus. This is a major source of concern for him since it restricts the ability of state governments. The federal government's laws take precedence over state laws, limiting the role of state legislators inside respective states. This also inhibits governments from acting in the best interests of their populations and economies. 5. Explain the political implications of Brutus's argument on the outcome of the ratification process. The inclusion of an executive branch to the Constitution was one of the political ramifications of Brutus' argument on the outcome of the ratification process. The executive branch has the authority to use the functions stated in paragraph 29, such as "command of all soldiers and navy o the officers." Furthermore, the creation of an executive branch deprives the legislative branch of authority, something Brutus was concerned about due to the amount of power Congress possessed. The Bill of Rights was included to the constitution in order for it to be passed, in addition to the executive branch, since Brutus addressed concerns about the reduction of governmental authority. The 10th amendment to the Bill of Rights provides states powers not stated in the constitution. The states regained power as a result of this.