The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-11-30
OLD AND NEW DEMOCRACY.

The term Federali,t was originally applied
IN this country to those who were in favor of
extending the powers Of the General or Fede-
raj Government, by liberal construction of the
Constitution, as the term Democrat was 10
those who contended for a rigorous interpreta-
ton Of that instrument, and who were disposed
jeslou.ly 10 guard the reserved rights Of the
States from invasion by the General Govern
ment. This application Of the term Democrat
was likely at times 10 appear inconsistent with
the true and broad meaning Of the word, az the
Constitution placed important restrictions on the
will aud power Of the majority. But there
was no real inconsistency; for the very object
of restricting the ma orlly principle 10 the Fede-
rdl Constitution was TO preserve it more GER
municipal legislation more Immediately con-
cerned the interests and welfare Of the People.
The majority principle in the Federal Consti-
luton was likely 10 be a source of danger, from
the natural disposition OF those in authority 10
strain their powers TO the utmost. The Gene.
raj Government might fall into the hands Of
denagogues, who, pruf log by the accidental
support Of majority of the People, would be
reckless OF constitutional restraints and, in the
end, of the liberties of the People. In the
State governments, the principle was not 50
likely to be attended with danger. The Fede-
raj Constitution secured 10 each State II, pub
lican form of government; and the errors Of the
People, or Legislatures, OF the respective States,
would be corrected by mutual comparison Of
each Others acts and condition.
The word Democrat, therefore, does not ap-
ply, in this country, TO those who insist on IN
qualified obedience to the will of the majority Of
the whole People. Itapplies to those who con-
tend for a rigorous Interpretation Of The Fede-
raj Constitution. Yet nothing is more common
than TO find our most intelligent men, and expe-
rienced politicians, coufounding the convcn-
tional meaning Of the word originally ap-
Piled in this country, with its meaning among
People who were wholly unacqualnted with any
form Of government similar TO our own. II is
10 this error, carried into practice, that the pre-
sent strange confusion of parties must in great
degree be attributed.
The Democracy Of our country has always
been more prevalent, and the Constitution better
understood, IN the Southern States than i'm the
Northern, because they have obviouy more
reason, owing to the institution Of slavery. to
apprehend danger from the inrosd of the ma.
joriy principle upon the Federal Constitution
In the North, the Constitution itself, and it.
history, have been much less studied than alb
stract theories Of liberty and Republican govern
ment. The comments of some of the most in
telligent expounders of the Constitution, OF th,
Northern school Of politicians would. IN effect
if reduced to practice, soon reduce the Consti
tuition virtually TO a single clause: Conrres,
has the power to do whatever it may think ne
cessary for the welfare of the People,
II is in the South, therefore, that the Demo
cratic spirit has been most viglIanl and excitable
1t was called forth into full exercise by the en-