FReeper Book Club: The Debate over the Constitution, Federalist #15

A Publius/Billthedrill Essay | 29 April 2010 | Publius & Billthedrill

[ForGod'sSake]

The amendments are just that, additions to that which already exists. The last amendment is no more or less valid, nor takes precedence over Article 1 Section 1 or any other clause.

You're talking nonsense; they are much more than that. Amendments/addendums are used to fine tune or otherwise modify in some way the actual language of a primary document. In fact, that is the whole purpose. No document can be taken in its original form without looking to the attached qualifiers or addendums. In a very basic way they change the content and meaning of the primary document. Surely you can see that.

I’m curious as to what you mean specifically by, “swung too far the other way.”

That the Hamiltonian nationalists were having their way in creating a de facto oligarchy, or near MONARCHY if Hamilton had had his way. The efforts of freedom loving and States' rights patriots kept Hamilton and his fellow travelers from getting everything they wanted. With the addition of the BOR, the Constitution was modified to the point it became at least acceptable to enough States to hold it together; for the most part.