Ethics and Civics of the American Patriots

Introduction

The 18^th century was marked by the severe controversy between British colonial representatives in America and the members of the American elites who wanted to change the existing situation in the country. This period was characterized by numerous attempts to change the country and gain independence from colonial rule. The changes were mainly connected with the political and economic aspects surrounding freedom from British rule. Therefore, the colonial ethics and civics of the elite members of colonial society seeking change were motivated by the desire to become independent from the British government, to gain political autonomy, and not to pay taxes to the British representatives. From an ethical point of view, these decisions were justified due to the pursuit of the national interests the Patriots had. The motivation of the Patriots was based on the desire to create a completely independent country in the political and economic sense, which corresponded to the needs of the American nation.

Discussion

Without ideologists and active participants, it is impossible to initiate changes in the country, and the American Revolution is not exceptional. The Patriots were the group of political and economic elites who regarded state development and social prosperity as priorities. They were the moving power that promoted the ideas of American autonomy from the British government. The vital detail was that the Patriots were the proponents of republicanism in political philosophy, while the loyalists supported the old colonial government. ¹ It led to forming groups in American society that opposed each other in the general views on state development.

Opposing political ideas were connected with the views on America’s autonomy from colonial rule or its affiliation with the British government. One of the examples of the problems the Patriots had to solve was the separation of powers. The federal government was not strong enough to oppose tyranny, and the proposed solution was to divide the government into three branches to balance it. ² Therefore, the appearance of the judicial, executive and legislative branches of power was the response of the Patriots to the civics and grievances of Americans. This solution made society more equal and just, not only in theory but also in practice.

The pursuit of ethical principles by the Patriots correlated with national interests. Their civic engagement represented ordinary people’s interests because the colony’s monetary policy was supposed to send taxes to Europe. ³ In addition, the American nation was divided by the views on the country’s political destiny because the proponents of independence of the United States could not agree with the desire of the loyalists to preserve the connection with Great Britain. ⁴ The Patriots wanted to maintain the nation’s unity, increase its economic prosperity, and prevent the polarization of society. From an ethical perspective, their peaceful methods of political discussions and ratification of the documents, including the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, were an attempt to preserve social order and achieve political autonomy. ^{5 6} Signing these documents was the critical step towards solving the problems of inequality in American society and pursuing national interests. Nowadays, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution are regarded as the basis of the democratic society, which means that the ethical principles articulated in them are still relevant.

Conclusion

The grievances the Americans articulated and the Patriots tried to solve were connected with the political autonomy of America, its economic development, and equality. The colonists were dissatisfied with European rule because it impoverished Americans, and the political controversy polarized the society. The use of the legal basis, including the ratification of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, were the essential ethical steps in solving the problems the Americans of the 18^th century experienced.

Bibliography

The American Yawp. Stanford University Press, 2022.

“Ratifying the Constitution,” in The American Yawp. Stanford University Press, 2022.

“Shays’ Rebellion,” in The American Yawp. Stanford University Press, 2022.

“The Bill of Rights.” National Archives, 1789.

“The Constitution of the United States.” National Archives, 1978.

Madison. “The Union as a Safeguard Against Domestic Faction and Insurrection From the New York Packet.” The Avalon Project, 1787.

Footnotes

1. “Shays’ Rebellion,” in The American Yawp (Stanford University Press, 2022). Web.
2. “Rights and Compromises,” in The American Yawp (Stanford University Press, 2022). Web.
3. “Ratifying the Constitution,” in The American Yawp (Stanford University Press, 2022). Web.
4. Madison, “The Union as a Safeguard Against Domestic Faction and Insurrection From the New York Packet,” The Avalon Project, 1787. Web.
5. “The Bill of Rights,” National Archives, 1789. Web.
6. “The Constitution of the United States,” National Archives, 1978. Web.