Brutus 1 | BRI’s Primary Source Essentials

What are Brutus’ main concerns about the new Constitution? In this episode of BRI’s Primary Source Close Reads, Kirk looks at Brutus 1 and its critiques of the proposed Constitution during the ratification debates. Why does Brutus feel a consolidated government will end liberty? Why is he concerned about the creation of an expansive republic?

The Anti-Federalist papers were written by a variety of authors in opposition to the ratification of the Constitution. Those that were written under the pen name of Brutus are arguably the most cohesive of these documents.

In this episode, we review strategies to articulate a defensible claim/thesis and support the argument using relevant evidence; use reasoning to organize and analyze evidence, explaining its significance to justify the claim/thesis; and use refutation, concession, and rebuttal in responding to opposing or alternate perspectives.