1776 in 2009 (part 1)

American politicians often quote or mention America’s Founding Fathers to gain popular support. Most politicians will promise to stay true to the principles of 1776, as this usually reassures and comforts Americans about that politician’s agenda. Americans feel something of a longing for the ideologies of the time, and both Democrats and Republicans look back on 1776 with nostalgia. Indeed, the phrases “Framers of the Constitution” and the “Spirit of 1776” have developed an extremely positive connotation. However, many things have changed since 1776, and the world is not what it once was. Is the spirit of 1776 still applicable today?

The essential question it comes down to is this: are the Framers of the Constitutions’ visions worth preserving? At the time, the nation the Founding Fathers envisioned a nation steeped in the democratic spirit and in the protection of civil liberties, which was certainly in the public good. But should the US government still function by these same principles today, given the changes in technology and world affairs? Let me be clear—I am not suggesting that democracy and civil liberties are outdated—however, there are specific aspects of the early American government that are probably not applicable today.

The central aspect of 1776 that most Americans look back nostalgically on is the era’s supposed rugged individualism and limited government. People were patriotic and supported their country, but their government did not interfere with their lives. Today, though, a small, limited government would be extremely impractical. However, it is possible to pursue libertarianism and more civil liberties, restricting government’s role in the social sphere, but it a large, central government is almost indispensable. The reasons for this are obvious: a large government is necessary in order to provide for national security, fight crime, maintain the public school system, and so on. In this respect we cannot regress to 1776, but we can limit government’s role in our lives by reinforcing civil liberties.

Next, in early America there was a strong focus on state’s rights. This debate pretty much ended with the American Civil War, when the government became more federal and state’s rights were reduced. Thankfully few people are nostalgic for this part of early America, since the notion that states can blatantly disobey the federal government caused enormous problems. Today, states rights might result in a conflict similar to the Civil War, as the country is divided along partisan lines just as it was in Lincoln’s day.

Also, many conservatives are nostalgic for 1776 because it represented a time when America was more homogenous, and “problems” such as homosexuality were all but invisible. Personally, I do not find this aspect of 1776 very appealing, as I believe diversity is what makes America so special. (I have the same problem with people who are nostalgic for the conformist era that was the 1950’s, or for the Regan administration, which tried to accomplish the same thing. However, I suspect I am alone in this respect—according to a recent survey, many Americans do not believe that minorities (especially atheists, to my surprise) do not fit in with their “vision of America.”

Overall, though, one of the aspects of 1776 America that people long for is the era’s (supposed) rugged individualism. However, this lifestyle and mentality are no longer compatible with today’s society, except in some isolated, rural areas Though many people are justified in longing for a “simpler time” or an era of pioneering spirit, America has long since moved away from pioneer ideals.

Despite these differences, though, America is still not completely different from that of 1776. It is still a democratic nation (as it should be), and it still places emphasis on civil liberties (though there is some controversy over these). Though it is important to remember the spirit of 1776, we must always keep in mind that we cannot apply 200 year old philosophies to modern life. 

Next time, I will discuss this issue in relation to the issue of gun control.