Samuel Adams
Samuel Adams likely supported the ratification of the 1787 Constitution as a necessary step to strengthen the Union, but he also believed in the need for amendments based on experience. His views on the Articles of Confederation suggest he valued a strong federal union.
- undated “And the Federal Constitution, according to the mode prescribed therein has already undergone such amendments in several parts of it, as from experience has been judged necessary.”
- undated “They therefore formed and adopted a Federal Constitution; by which certain powers of sovereignty are delegated and entrusted to such persons as they shall judge proper from time to time to elect; to be exercised conformably to, and within the restrictions of the said Constitution, for the purposes of strengthening and confirming the Union, and promoting the safety and happiness of the confederate Commonwealth.”
- 1778-01-21 “Resolvd, as the opinion of this Town, that the said Articles appear to be well adapted to cement the Union of the said States, to confirm their mutual Friendship, establish their Freedom and Independence, and promote their general Welfare”
Extrapolation: His support for the Articles of Confederation and belief in a strong federal union suggest he would support the 1787 Constitution as a necessary step.
The full record: ledger, contrary evidence, reasoning, sources
1. WHAT HE SAID (the record)
Record ledger
- ACTION (1778-01-21): Samuel Adams voted on January 21, 1778, to instruct the Representatives of the Town of Boston to support the ratification of the Articles of Confederation. This shows his endorsement of a framework for union among the states, which may inform his views on subsequent constitutional ratification processes. (key quote above)
- BELIEF (undated): Samuel Adams believed that the Constitution of the United States should be amended in parts deemed necessary based on experience. He also emphasized the importance of preserving the balance of power between federal and state governments, and the need for reason and truth in evaluating significant matters like a national treaty. (key quote above)
- BELIEF (undated): Samuel Adams believed that the Constitution of 1787 was necessary to strengthen and confirm the Union and promote the safety and happiness of the confederate Commonwealth. He argued that certain powers of sovereignty were delegated to Congress, while all other powers remained in the separate states to be exercised according to their respective Constitutions. (key quote above)
What cuts against it
- ACTION (1778-01-21): Samuel Adams supported the ratification of the Articles of Confederation, which was a different constitutional framework. This suggests he was willing to endorse union frameworks, but does not directly indicate his stance on the 1787 Constitution. "Resolvd, as the opinion of this Town, that the said Articles appear to be well adapted to cement the Union of the said States..."
2. HOW IT APPLIES (reasoning; inference is marked)
1. Samuel Adams believed that the Constitution of 1787 was necessary to strengthen the Union and promote the safety and happiness of the Commonwealth.
2. He emphasized that certain powers of sovereignty were delegated to Congress, while all other powers remained in the separate states.
3. He also believed that the Constitution of the United States should be amended in parts deemed necessary based on experience.
4. This implies that while he supported the idea of a strong federal union, he also believed in the need for flexibility and amendments to address issues as they arose.
5. Therefore, it is reasonable to infer that he would support the ratification of the 1787 Constitution as a necessary step, but with the understanding that it could be amended as needed.
3. HIS TAKE
Record coverage: PARTIAL
The record is silent on whether Samuel Adams explicitly supported the ratification of the Constitution of 1787 as written. However, his belief in the necessity of a strong federal union and his support for the Articles of Confederation suggest that he would likely support the 1787 Constitution as a necessary step.
Extrapolation: Given his views on the importance of a strong union and the need for amendments based on experience, Samuel Adams would likely support the ratification of the 1787 Constitution but with the understanding that it could be amended as needed.
Competing readings: One reading is that he would support the Constitution as a necessary step toward a stronger union. Another reading is that he might have preferred a more decentralized system, as seen in his support for the Articles of Confederation. The record does not explicitly state his stance on the 1787 Constitution.
Confidence: Moderate, based on the partial record and the need for inference.
- The Writings of Samuel Adams, vol. 4 (1778-1802) (Harry Alonzo Cushing (ed.), G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1904-1908). Document: VOTE OF TOWN OF BOSTON.. Date: 1778-01-21. Source type: old edited collection. Passage id: samuel-adams/pg2094-the-writings-of-vol-4-1778-1802/0006.00
- The Writings of Samuel Adams, vol. 4 (1778-1802) (Harry Alonzo Cushing (ed.), G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1904-1908). Document: FELLOW CITIZENS,. Date: undated. Source type: old edited collection. Passage id: samuel-adams/pg2094-the-writings-of-vol-4-1778-1802/0219.01
- The Writings of Samuel Adams, vol. 4 (1778-1802) (Harry Alonzo Cushing (ed.), G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1904-1908). Document: FELLOW-CITIZENS OF THE / TWO BRANCHES OF THE LEGISLATURE,. Date: undated. Source type: old edited collection. Passage id: samuel-adams/pg2094-the-writings-of-vol-4-1778-1802/0206.00
Quote check: PASSED (4/4 quotations verified verbatim)