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Sources Summary
James Monroe’s “Annual Message to Congress” of 1823 is concerned with the issue of international relations. Monroe addresses the questions of European colonization and the international involvement of the United States in European affairs. Monroe emphasizes the independent position of the United States regarding the political ambitions of the European powers. From this point forward, the U.S. must not be considered as a colonization territory but as an independent and free country.
The events in Spain and Portugal serve the speaker as an example of a situation that is henceforth highly undesirable for the United States. Even though Monroe describes these events as moderate and aimed at improving the well-being of the inhabitants of Spain and Portugal, he points out that despite the initial good intentions, the obtained results are unsatisfactory and strikingly different from what was initially planned.
The speaker emphasizes that the U.S. will resort to defensive methods only if its integrity and independence is compromised. A promise is made not to interfere in any of the European colonies. At the end of the address, Monroe declares allegiance to the countries whose independence the U.S. recognized, and the readiness to assist these countries should their independence be threatened.
John Calhoun’s “A Disquisition of Government” of 1845 addresses the subject of community, distinguishing between two types of a majority: constitutional and numerical. Calhoun emphasizes the significance of this distinction for governmental purposes. While the numerical majority leads one to believe the people are identical, the notion of constitutional majority implies that there is also a conflict of interest in the community. Calhoun points out that the idea of the constitutional, or concurrent, the majority is a vital element in any constitutional government. Confusing the two types of majorities may lead to fatal consequences.
However, a numerical majority is predominantly the only majority that is considered by the government. Calhoun emphasizes that in a country with a legitimate constitution there can be no other approach but to treat the community as a concurrent majority, as it means that each member of society is negated by another with conflicting interests, which, in turn, contributes to the development of the protection mechanisms in each community member.
Compare and Contrast
Monroe’s speech and Calhoun’s text differ significantly regarding their conception of a national government and its power. While Monroe emphasizes the unified power of the national government to protect its citizens, Calhoun stresses the multiplicity of interests. The latter approach is aimed at developing the constitutional government while taking into account the conflicts of interests in society. These conflicts of interests create a mutual negative that is an essential element of a constitutional state.
Unlike Calhoun, Monroe expresses ideas that are closer to a unified interpretation of society, which would be called by Calhoun a numerical majority the latter rejects. While Calhoun stresses the importance of a difference of opinion in a community, Monroe expresses his standpoint on behalf of all citizens. In his address, he is rather insistent on conveying the idea of independence, defense, and the U.S.’s allegiance regarding other independent countries that might be threatened in the future.
In contrast with Monroes, Calhoun would not go so far as to express any ideas on behalf of all community, as it would mean applying the principle of the numerical majority, i.e. treating all people as identical and having the same point of view.
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