Foreign policies are an integral part of states. The underlying purpose of foreign policies is the fact that they serve as a guide of what is happening in the international community about international relations. Foreign policies that are documented are often referred to as foreign policy doctrines. Foreign policy doctrine can be described as the statement on foreign policy and the underlying belief system behind it. In most cases, these statements are made by members of the political class hence political leaders or the chief executive officer in the country or diplomats.
Foreign is often named after them. An example of a foreign policy is the justification of Nixon to Withdraw the United States of America from the war in Vietnam. The documented arguments on this what later came to be known as The Nixon Doctrine. It is a universal naming system in many countries except for China. Foreign policy doctrine helps provide general regulations and rules governing the conduct of foreign policy based on decisions on international affairs or relations.
Foreign policy and war in the federalist papers
In America, various foreign policy doctrines have been drafted by multiple political leaders who served as the president[1]
Among them included Madison president with his drafted constitution in America. This paper seeks to explore what contributed to Madison constitution in the creation of the American law. The article also discusses the war on federalist papers and the concept behind the ideas in the federalist’s papers. The war on federalists’ documents was based on the creation of the constitution of America on the role of president as the Commander in Chief of the armed forces (1978 by Hamilton) and the usefulness of US states and their wellbeing and the consequences when the union falls.[2]
Federalist papers consist of articles that are 85 and the various chapters were mainly written by Hamilton Alexander, Madison James, and Jay John. The most important of these papers was Federalist No. 10. Madison tries to discuss in the article, the position that the majority occupies in the state. He thus calls for a commercial republic. Hamilton, however, insists against the need to add a section in the constitution that contains the bill of rights while arguing that the provisions in the law already guarantees the same. The Federalist papers mainly promoted the ratification of the constitution of United States. The article also studies Bosanquet’s philosophical theory related to the state of New York.
James Madison Contributions to the creation of American Constitution
James Madison's contribution to the nature of the American constitution cannot be underscored. James Madison is remembered for having shaped the state of America through his constitutional drafts that were eventually used in creating the law of America. Madison met with other 65 delegates for the constitutional convention in May 1789 in Philadelphia. Their main aim was to put changes in the articles of confederation. They, however, managed to draft a new constitution. Madison was present in the convention as a representative of Virginia State. He took a more prominent role in recording the information as discussions ensued. Owing to his knowledge of how to develop a constitution, having drafted Virginia's law 11 years earlier, Madison largely contributed to the making of the American constitution.
Madison’s arguments were for the creation of the central government to help unify the nation. To Madison, therefore, having a central government would create a sense of unity among all the US states. This was a good idea since it would help prevent cases of states seceding from the central government. The proposed union constitution of the United States was then signed in 1787. The question however is, did it automatically mean that it would become the formal constitution of United States? Possibly not.
It is remembered that, in 1789, the union of America was in disarray. This was owing to the high demands of its states and lack of appropriate laws on foreign policy and how the rules ought to be controlled. Every state threatened the existence of the American union, the now United States of America. A national government was needed to prevent the states from operating independently as this posed a danger on the security and economy of the then American Union, the rules required to be protected against harmful foreign policies and appropriate way of collecting revenue and doing commerce was to be drafted. The existed state of America could easily lead to anarchy and lawlessness nation since every nation was being governed separately and they could call fall secession any time.[3]
James Madison believes that there be a constitution that guides the United States of America with all its states was justified. In the convention, a suggestion to create a stable national government was channeled to the floor for debate. A federal government that would have final authority over all the states was proposed.
Nature of the constitution
The structure of the government would be hierarchical with divisions and each level with its mandate. The government proposed would thus be consisting of National Legislature, also referred to as parliament, The Judiciary, for interpreting laws and regulations of the state and the third structure was Executive that was to implement requirements. (Anne-Marie Burley, 470). Each arm of the government was to have the capacity to do check and balances of each arm’s powers. It was proposed that the legislature would have two chambers for effective operations. The first chamber or branch was to be elected by the people. This was to be the more significant branch of the legislature. The smaller one, however, was to be selected by the first branch. The national government was expected to veto the state laws which were seen to violate the constitution. It was also given the mandate to choose chief executive. Chief executive was expected to veto laws made by the legislature.
Federalist articles
The Federalist papers are a collection of 85 articles and essays. This collection was initially known as federalist until the 20th century when the federalist name papers were adopted. The authors of this paper mainly wanted to rally people, who are the voters to amend the constitution. The most important of all the Federalist papers was Federalist No. 14. This paper contains Madison's recommendations on the kind of country he would like to have. The documents were never uniform regarding their arguments. Federalist paper number 84 for example, has Hamilton opposing the amendments of the constitution by including the section of the bill of rights as to him, the chapter was already enshrined in the American constitution through other provisions[4]
Another key federalists paper was Federalist number 78 which was written by Hamilton and contains his ideas judicial matters. This paper was known as the doctrine of judicial reviews. In Federalist No. 70, Hamilton proposes the creation of one-person chief. Madison expounds on the need for checks and balances within the United States’ arms of the government giving its significance. His arguments on this became known as Federalism and are in Federalist No. 51.
One of the captivating Federalist papers of Madison in Federalist No. 63. In this paper, Madison supports his arguments for the need to have a senate parliament where leaders will be elected on a short-term basis by the people. Madison asserts that Senate is needed to help ensure the long-lasting relationship with other nations, he proposes that Senates be elected for six years’ terms, and this will give them ample time to perform their role and deliver to both the national government and the citizens. He asserts that the Senate shall also be checked by another chamber of the legislature. He, however, opposes the idea of having senates elected for life as this would be a threat to the state, he cites some nations that have embraced the concept of having senators serve for life, but they have never progressed.
James Madison on domestic and foreign policy
In USA, the constitutional father was Known as James Madison. He was at the forefront in the drafting of the American constitution. His ideas contributed a great deal to the making of the American constitution. Madison's thinking in making the American constitution was influenced by Garrett Sheldon, who was his professor of philosophy at the university and his predecessor, President Jefferson[5] Madison was initially the Secretary of state in president Jefferson's government. He gained a lot of experiences and insights on political leadership from Jefferson that enabled him to come up with goth thoughts in amending the constitution and spearheading the formulation of American domestic and foreign policy. He was elected the president of United States in 1808. He served for two terms in the presidency hence ruled between 1809-1817. Madison mainly carried out the policies of President Jefferson who was his predecessor and mentor in the political arena.
Madison experiences domestic policy challenges but eventually came to their remedies. Among the local issues that Madison encountered was on the National Bank which is the First Bank of United States. This bank was under the leadership of Hamilton Alexander, and its charter was to expire in 1812. It was however chartered in 1791. Madison encountered a dilemma of what to do to salvage the situation.
Madison being a Democratic-Republican, opted for not operating a national bank. The first bank of National Bank was thus allowed to expire. After the war in 1812 however, Madison became to realize the significance of having a national bank. He thus embarked on chartering the Second Bank of the United States to replace the first bank.
Madison, just like his predecessor Jefferson, uses accommodative policy or approach to assimilate those with a different culture from the native American to American culture. This was unlike other previous American presidents who exercised intolerance towards the Native Americana while preferring the whites. Racism is a deadly disease that had led to segregation between Whites and African Americans. The two groups were not entitled to the same rights, and even if it was, the rights only existed in blueprint but in the real sense, they could not access essential services in previous American governments[6]
Madison went as far as authorizing the soldiers to protect native lands from being accessed by White settlers. One should know that Madison served during the period USA was experiencing industrial growth hence industrialization and trade were rampant. To ensure that the industrial state of the nation improves, Madison came up with policies to enhance this. He signed several legislations to promote industrial growth and commerce. In any given society, when industrial growth is high, and trade is the center of the economy, a nation can realize economic improvements. The results will be overwhelming as so many people will be recruited in industries to serve as workers and people will join trading activities. This will help propel the country forward about economic growth. Madison understood this principle, and he sought to improve the conditions for commerce and encourage establishments of more industries in the United States. This he knew would help solve the problem of unemployment among the youths and also activate the economy of United States. Various policies and legislation were developed. The first step Madison did was supporting infrastructural improvements. He knew that a nation with poor infrastructure was a nation devoid of important platforms for economic developments. He came up with a plan called American System to enhance transport system.
Another foreign policy developed by Madison was policy regulating imports and exports of commodities. Madison put a restriction on imports of products from outside the United States.[7]
Foreign policy on Non-Intercourse
Madison also developed a foreign policy of Non-Intercourse Act. This policy was adopted and enforced to put a stop any trading activity between the United States and England and France. It is known that, during this time, when the policy was enforced by Madison, England and France launched an attack with America in the sea. The two nations seized the ships belonging to America. These states wanted America to stop making the trade with their enemies.
Foreign policy on Macon’s Bill no. 2
Having failed to implement the foreign policy on Non-Intercourse with England and France due to the hostility that arose as a result of England and France attacking their ship at the oceans making it difficult for America to trade with other nations, United States uplifted the policy of Non-intercourse. Madison then resorted to reopening trade with England and France. Macon's bill was passed and became law on 14 May 1810. This was mainly done to put an end to the hatred that arose between England and France on one side against the United States due to their first enforcing of the policy of Non-Intercourse. At that time there was a Napoleonic war. Madison used the Macon’s bill to No.2 as a way of competition between England and France. Any country that would win the championship was given an opportunity to do business with the United States[8]
The foreign policy of Non-importation act reintroduced
Madison then reintroduced the foreign policy of Non-Importation and Non-Intercourse. This policy was introduced on the nation that failed to win the competition on which countries between Britain and France should trade with the United States. France won this opportunity and became legally allowed to conduct import and export trade with the United States while England failed the test and the foreign policy of No-Importation and Non-Intercourse was reintroduced and imposed on Britain. This led to the end the 1812 war whose cause was mainly because Britain was capturing ships belonging to America hence preventing United State from carrying out the trade with other countries.
The second treatise of government and the concepts behind ideas in Federalists paper
This treaty has Locke, a philosopher arguing concerning the hypothetical state that sees human beings enjoying their rights without influence from the country. Locke argued that the state should operate in a natural setting and not interfere with the daily activities through having financial restrictions when it comes to trading activities. He asserts that, when people live in a free environment, the thought of liberty may not arise. To Locke, therefore, the state should only control the affairs of quarrelsome communities within the country while leaving aside communities or groups that shows no rivalry and are living in peaceful coexistence[9]
From the ideas presented in the Federalist papers, members of the state should be allowed to formulate their laws and let it be in the constitution, and everyone adheres to it without the state making laws and forcing it on people. Peoples' opinion counts. This is the essence of a democratic country — a nation of the people for the people and by the people.
Realism and idealism as manifested in teaching in foreign policy and the war on federalist’s papers
Generally, history of US policy and federalist papers is guided by realism theory. It is thus realist in nature. The United States in its foreign policy is driven by individualism hence there Bann on trading activities with foreign countries is based on greed. They think the other nations are gaining more than them in import and export. Their acceptance of trading with France after lifting out the policy of Non-Intercourse is driven by the fact that they want to stop the war between them and England and France. Were it not because of the war, and the trade ban would have continued.
To some extent, however, arguments in the federalist’s papers are seen as idealist since they are based on improving the welfare of the American citizens by protecting their lives and property and their rights from being infringed by an external force.
Conclusion
From the foreign policies developed by United Nations in its earlier days and the federalists’ papers, one can deduce that although having limitations on trade with other nations that do not share your interest is justifiable, it does not fully befit in the world market.[10] Foreign policies should be drafted such that, they make the nation grow rather than for punishing particular countries because of unshared beliefs. Every state should desire to develop only policies that can help propel the government ahead. US adoption of a plan of Non-intercourse and Non-Importation cost het a great deal. The US just realized when other nations began mistreating them. As the saying goes “no man is an Island” so it is. There should be free trade policy drafted to put an end to trade restrictions.
On the Federalist papers, a society with laws and regulations governing the affairs of the citizens is a culture worth celebrating. The US constitutional amendments spearheaded by Madison James is worth the while. The state should, however, seek public opinion on what to include in the constitution to make citizens participates in lawmaking. This helps create a sense of belonging to the nation among citizens.
Bibliography
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay. “Federalist No. 84.” The Federalist papers, 2009, 265-271.
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, and Jack Richon. “The Federalist.” Hackett publishing, 2005.
Anne-Marie Burley. "The Alien tort statute and the Judiciary Act of 1789: A badge of Honor." American Journal of International law 83 (3), 1989, 461-493.
Fraser Cameroon. “US foreign policy after the cold war: global hegemon or reluctant sheriff.” Routledge,
2006.
Glenn. “The disrupted federalist papers: SVM featured selection via concave minimization.” Proceedings of the 2003 conference on diversity in computing, 2003, 42-46.
Miriam Fendius. "The foreign policies of small states: challenging neorealism in its backyard." British journal of political science 25 (1995), 171-217.
Walter LaFeber. "The constitution and the United States Foreign Policy: An interpretation." The Journal of American History 74 (3), 1987, 695-717.
[1]. Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay. “Federalist No. 84.” The Federalist papers, 2009, 265-271.
[2] Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, and Jack Richon. “The Federalist.” Hackett publishing, 2005.
[3] Fraser Cameroon. “US foreign policy after the cold war: global hegemon or reluctant sheriff.” Routledge,
2006.
[4]. Glenn. “The disrupted federalist papers: SVM featured selection via concave minimization.” Proceedings of the 2003 conference on diversity in computing, 2003, 42-46.
[5]. Miriam Fendius. "The foreign policies of small states: challenging neorealism in its backyard." British journal of political science 25 (1995), 171-217.
[6]. Walter LaFeber. "The constitution and the United States Foreign Policy: An interpretation." The Journal of American History 74 (3), 1987, 695-717.
[7] Walter LaFeber. "The constitution and the United States Foreign Policy: An interpretation." The Journal of American History 74 (3), 1987, 695-717.
[8]. Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay. “Federalist No. 84.” The Federalist papers, 2009, 265-271.
[9]. Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay. “Federalist No. 84.” The Federalist papers, 2009, 265-271.
[10] Walter LaFeber. "The constitution and the United States Foreign Policy: An interpretation." The Journal of American History 74 (3), 1987, 695-717.
