Legislators by threatening of a veto <span />
The federalists, the most notable of which being Alexander Hamilton, were for the ratification of the constitution during the constitutional convention. They believed that the articles of confederation were far too weak. Some of their key beliefs included; the separation of powers would prevent any person or group from dominating the government; Power would be shared between the federal and state governments; The large republic would work by fragmenting political power. The Anti-Federalists, were in agreement that the Articles of Confederation were too weak. They however, were fearful of a strong federal government like the one proposed in the constitution. They believed; A large republic with many diverse interests would be doomed to fail; The president and Congress would be too powerful; A standing army would threaten national liberty; The federal government would overwhelm the states; and individual rights needed to be protected. In order to get the nine states needed for ratification, the Federalists promised to create the bill of rights after the constitution was ratified.
Whereas Locke spoke of life, liberty and estate, the Declaration of Independence speaks in terms of life, liberty, and the <u>pursuit of happiness</u><u>.</u>
In John Locke's way of framing his theory, "life, liberty, and estates" all constitute an individual's personal property. We normally think of "property" just in terms of one's "estate" -- that is land, house, belongings. From Locke's perspective, however, our property is <u>everything</u> that belongs to us as persons, which begins with our personhood itself. Having life and personal liberty -- those are the most important things we possess. Then comes "estate" or our land, house, belongings.
Thomas Jefferson's words in the Declaration of Independence have a similar theme, though worded differently. Pursuing happiness--a meaningful and fulfilling life--cannot happen unless life and liberty are respected and protected first.
All 27 Amendments have been ratified after two-thirds of the House and Senate approve of the proposal and send it to the states for a vote. Then, three-fourths of the states must affirm the proposed Amendment.
