Why are Common Sense and the Federalist Papers considered foundational documents?
- they promoted the ideas of religious toleration.
- they encouraged territorial expansion.
- they rejected being ruled by the british monarch and parliament.
- they influenced the creation of the american government.
Common Sense and the Federalist Papers are considered foundational documents for a variety of reasons:
1. Promotion of ideas: Both Common Sense and the Federalist Papers promoted important ideas that shaped the foundations of the American republic. Common Sense, written by Thomas Paine in 1776, argued for the separation of the American colonies from British rule and influenced public opinion towards independence. The Federalist Papers, a series of 85 essays written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay between 1787 and 1788, advocated for the ratification of the United States Constitution and the creation of a strong central government.
2. Rejection of British rule: Both documents strongly rejected British monarchial rule and parliamentary authority over the American colonies. Common Sense argued for the complete independence of the American colonies from British monarchy, while the Federalist Papers promoted the idea of a federal system with a strong central government independent of British influence.
3. Influence on American government: Common Sense and the Federalist Papers played a significant role in shaping the structure and principles of the American government. Common Sense helped mobilize public support for independence, while the Federalist Papers provided detailed arguments in favor of the Constitution, lending it legitimacy in the eyes of the American people. The Federalist Papers also greatly influenced the design of the government system outlined in the Constitution, particularly the establishment of a federal system with a division of powers between the federal government and the states.
In summary, Common Sense and the Federalist Papers are considered foundational documents because they promoted ideas, rejected British rule, and influenced the creation of the American government.