Slavery, Freedom & Nation-Building the Essay

He proposed that in this kind of government, it will do away with the tradition of 'monarchy,' likened to the British form of government, wherein powered is concentrated on one individual alone. Moreover, in advocating for the new American government, Madison argued that with the British ruling over the American people, the new government is a better option, the 'lesser evil' of the two: "[t]he bulk of the people will probably prefer the lesser evil of a partition of the Union into three more practicable and energetic Governments" (237).

This argument in the letter was not an unfounded statement. Prior to declaring the new government as the better option for American society, Madison enumerated the numerous problems that emerged from the 'iron hand' that Britain used in ruling its colony (America). From his letter, the rising conflict between Americans and the British became apparent, and the external transition happened as a result of this conflict.

Internally, there was also a transition brewing, primarily between the African slaves and the members of the American colonies, who owned the slaves as 'properties.' In Max Farrand's discussion in "The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787 Slave Imports," the slavery as a lucrative economic activity manifested itself in the various arguments presented for and against it. Ultimately, states support the slavery system because "[t]he more slaves, the more produce to employ the carrying trade; the more consumption also; and the more of this, the more revenue for the common treasury" (245).Slavery became a critical issue even before America gained its independence from Britain, primarily because it contradicted the principles of freedom and equality Americans advocated for during that time. However, because the Americans recognized the economic gain that slavery contributes to the nation more than the achievement of equality among people, British or not, slavery 'flourished' even when America became an independent nation. During this time, the internal transition was already emerging, as different groups (specifically, Southern and Northern regions of the country) became divided and assumed different positions towards slavery in the country.

Work cited:

Davis, D. And S. Mintz (Eds.). 1998. The boisterous sea of liberty: a documentary history of America from discovery through the Civil War. NY: Oxford….....