Constitution Lectures 5: Federalism vs. Nationalism (HD version)

While the Constitution was framed, debate was split over whether we should have a federalist or a nationalist government. This lecture covers the controversy and how it was resolved in the Constitution.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• lecture
• liberty
• federalism
• constitution
• nationalism
• politics

[Sibarit1973]

What you describe as nationalism is properly a "centralist" form of government. Nationalism is a government that promotes ideas against foreign intervention/influence and for domestic homogeneization- e.g. the myth of the Aryan race in Nazi Germany(NAZI- NATIONAL-socialism). Centralization of power may not be absolute can still be called a centralist government. Hence, centralism is the proper antonym for federalism. A "confederation" is a loose association of separate States. Ph.D. in PolSci.

[shanedk]

@Sibarit1973 I'm going by how the terms were used at the time.

[TheD0ded0de]

Legalize weed, NOW!

[MrPloppy1]

This is the most mind blowing concept I try to explain to people.

Until I show that the Declaration declared the colonies as "free & INDEPENDENT States". That the word state is a synonym of nation. That the Treaty of Paris, that ended the Rev War, didn't recognize the USA, but recognized and listed each of the 13 states as independent from the UK. Finally, I ask them to find the exact wording in the Const. that formed ONE nation out of those States. More perfect UNION--yes, one nation--no.

[MrPloppy1]

The argument between "federation" & "confederacy" is ridiculous. As late as the 1850's you will find writings describing the US as a confederacy.

"The dangers of a concentration of all power in the general government of a CONFEDERACY so vast as ours are too obvious to be disregarded" -- Inaugural Address, US Pres. Franklin Pierce -- 1853

In fact the CSA constitution called THEIR govt federal. "We, the people of the Confederate States... in order to form a permanent FEDERAL government.."

[berriesandvine]

@TheD0ded0de we did! where you been?

[morthim]

i'm fairly certain that the meaning of federalism changed to mean nationalism... and confederalism (formerly a synonym) was what remained to represent the thought.

[shanedk]

@TheRadicalRyushin Thanks for showing your true colors. Now no one knows to take you the least bit seriously.

[TheRadicalRyushin]

I read them before I submitted them, why haven't you even started to read them?

[TheRadicalRyushin]

YOU DON'T HAVE ANY LOGIC, you stupid redneck hillbilly.

[shanedk]

@TheRadicalRyushin Why don't you bother reading them yourself?