The power and ability to govern comes directly from the people of a nation and not through the force of arms or through primogeniture.
- Body
- Quote from sources, support the quote
- Question #1: “What is the context for David Ramsay's observations about American government??” The basis of his views
- Question #2: “According to Ramsay, how does the U. S. government differ from earlier European governments? What makes the American government different from these earlier precedents?” what makes it unique?
- Question #3: What are the primary strengths in the American government that Ramsay identifies and defends? Why it stands tall among governments.
- Conclusion
- Restate Thesis
- Question #4: “What does Ramsay see as the role of the people in the U.S. government?” Roles of the citizens and how it relates to the thesis.
American Innovations in Government
According to David Ramsey, the government of America was destined for greatness (Foner, 118). The hard fought and bloody American revolution to overcome the British between 1775 and 1783 was the first ever war of liberation against the colonial supremacy. To the author, the victory of American independence at that time was a great indicator that they were on a promising path of accomplishing great things in the future. His hopes were fanned by the military victory of the American founding fathers who were in the front line in ensuring that liberation was achieved by all means (Foner, 118).
Irrespective of the pride that was held by the Americans that they had gotten rid of nobility and royalty, the common people made a move to defer the elite. Because of these, members of the wealthy families won political seats most of the times. This state of affairs was short lived as the quest for democracy gained ground. The poor people in the society began believing that they also had an opportunity to participate in the administration process (Foner, 119). Therefore, the view of the writer about America took another turn as the majority of the citizens started advocating for democracy with vigour.
According to David Ramsey, the major difference between America and the earlier European governments is the collective responsibility of fighting for the democratic process. The author was pleased with the idea that the citizens of America took the fight for freedom as a personal initiative. Most Americans, especially the disadvantaged lot united in the fight against inequality and mistreatment based on colour of the skin and race. This led to the rapid reformation of the American constitution so as to ensure that equality of American citizens was upheld. In other European governments, the role of the citizens in the governance process is quite limited. The governments do not entertain any move by the citizens to protest immoral laws that are unfavourable to the citizens. Another difference that the author notes is that the democratic process in America is quite mature. The laws in America are made with a moral intent and are used for the purpose for which they were created. The citizens are accorded full rights as the constitution demands. This is not usually the case in the European governments where laws are made with malicious intentions and are used against their nationals.
David Ramsey isolates the major strengths of the government of the Unites States. The author outlines major strengths of America as having strong military power, a self-sustaining base of agriculture, an outstanding and strong leadership and moral advantage in their governance. America as compared to the other European countries, they had a robust military base. Their military had many soldiers who were well trained and had the necessary military experience. This military strength also assisted them during their revolution against the British. The self-sustaining agriculture that was practices in America by then cannot go unmentioned. America had large tracts of land that were put to use through large-scale cultivation of both food crops and cash crops. The Americans practiced a capital-intensive agriculture that ensured production of sufficient food for her vast population. Their agriculture also ensured that a surplus of the agricultural goods remained for exports. This earned the country a substantial income.
Apart from the material wealth of America, the nation also had a pool of robust and diplomatic leaders. The likes of Franklin who fought hard to win the revolution (Foner, 119). America under the transformational leadership have ensured that constitutional changes are made and effected. This has ensured that the dream of realizing a better America is achieved. Good leadership promotes development and progress. This is evidenced by the fact that America has made tremendous progress in coming up with a democratic government.
The American government is well endowed by their moral advantage. In their internal dealings, in the government, they often strive to conduct themselves with diligence and advocate for moral positions. They delight in doing the right things with a positive objective. The running of the European governments is characterised by political bickering and wrangles that are at times aimed at benefiting a section of the governing personalities (Foner, 118).
Works cited
Foner, Eric. "David Ramsay, American Innovations in Government." Voices of Freedom: A Documentary History. 3rd ed. Vol. 1. New York: W.W. Norton, 2011. 118-19. Print.
David Ramsey, American Innovations in Government. (1789)
