Isabella Carter
Tench Coxe was an influential founding father, political economist, and delegate for Pennsylvania to the Continental Congress in 1788–1789. He was a leading proponent of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, particularly the Second Amendment, and wrote extensively about the right to keep and bear arms. Coxe's writings during the ratification debates of 1787-88, including essays and pamphlets, provide valuable insights into the original legal meaning and understanding of the Constitution by its founders and ratifiers. While he did not sign the Constitution, Coxe played a significant role in influencing its ratification and shaping the early political landscape of the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Tench Coxe |
| Date of Birth | May 22, 1755 |
| Place of Birth | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Education | Studied law at the College of Philadelphia (now The University of Pennsylvania) |
| Political Affiliation | Federalist, Whig, Democratic-Republican |
| Career | Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, Commissioner of the Revenue, Purveyor of Public Supplies, President of the Pennsylvania Society for the Encouragement of Manufactures and the Useful Arts |
| Contributions | Supported and influenced ratification of the Constitution, wrote numerous essays and articles in support of the Constitution, co-authored the Report on Manufactures with Alexander Hamilton |
| Legacy | Remembered for his contributions to the ratification of the Constitution, his writing on the right to bear arms, and his role in the early American manufacturing industry, particularly cotton |
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What You'll Learn
Tench Coxe's role in the Continental Congress
Tench Coxe was a political economist, writer, and businessman who played a significant role in the Continental Congress and the development of the United States Constitution. Born in 1755 in Philadelphia, Coxe came of age during the American Revolution. Despite remaining neutral during the War for Independence, which led to suspicions of royalist sympathies, Coxe was elected to the Continental Congress in 1788.
In the Continental Congress, Coxe supported the adoption of the newly signed federal Constitution. He believed that the new government would create a sound basis for a strong national economy and facilitate orderly economic growth. Coxe's writing and essays were influential in shaping the understanding of the Constitution and advancing federalist arguments in favour of ratification. He covered a wide range of topics, including federalism and the division of powers between the state and federal governments.
Coxe's essays, addressed to "The People of the United States," indicated their intention for a broad audience beyond a specific state, which contributed to their impact during the ratification period. In his writings, he contrasted the American system favourably against the British Constitution, highlighting the differences in the powers of the president and the legislative process.
Coxe also served on local committees, worked for banking reforms, and was a delegate to the Annapolis Convention in 1786. After his time in the Continental Congress, he continued his political career, serving as assistant secretary of the treasury under Alexander Hamilton and later as purveyor of public supplies under President Thomas Jefferson. Throughout his career, he promoted American manufacturing and agriculture, particularly the cotton industry, earning him the title "father of the American cotton industry."
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Coxe's writings and their influence on the Constitution
Tench Coxe, born in 1755 in Philadelphia to wealthy aristocratic parents, was a leading proponent of the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. He wrote extensively about the right to keep and bear arms, describing the Second Amendment as guaranteeing an individual right. He believed that this right was necessary for self-defence, hunting, militia purposes, and protection against oppression by large standing armies.
Coxe's writings covered a wide range of topics, setting the stage for virtually every federalist argument in favour of ratification. He addressed many of his essays "To the People of the United States", indicating that they were intended for a broader audience than the Federalist Papers, which were written specifically for a New York audience. Coxe's essays and pamphlets provided valuable insights into the original legal meaning of the Constitution and the limits it placed on the federal government.
In his writings, Coxe forcefully argued that the Constitution was not intended to centralize power in a single, all-encompassing national government. He asserted that the state governments maintained their sovereignty and independence within the constitutional system and were indispensable to its operation. He also explained federalism—the division of powers between the state and federal governments. Coxe noted that the British king was the head of the established church, which was impossible under the Constitution. He pointed out that while a king inherited his position for life, the American president would always be "one of the people" and was created "by their breath".
Coxe also highlighted the differences between the powers of the king and the president. He wrote that the president was not delegated any authority to make laws and could not create members of the upper house, as the king could with the House of Lords. He recognized the importance of agriculture in the American economy but also promoted American manufacturing, particularly the cotton industry. He served as president of the Pennsylvania Society for the Encouragement of Manufactures and the Useful Arts.
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Coxe's support for the Constitution during ratification debates
Tench Coxe was a delegate for Pennsylvania to the Continental Congress in 1788–1789. He was a strong supporter of the Constitution during the ratification debates and wrote numerous essays in its support. Coxe's writings serve as a valuable resource for understanding the original, legal meaning of the Constitution as intended by its founders and ratifiers.
Coxe's essays were widely published in newspapers across the United States and were addressed to “The People of the United States,” indicating they were intended for a broad audience. In his writings, he covered a wide range of topics, setting the stage for virtually every Federalist argument in favour of ratification. One of his key arguments was against the Anti-Federalist assertion that the Constitution would lead to "consolidation" or the centralization of power in the federal government. He forcefully argued that the Constitution was not intended to centralize power in one all-encompassing national government. Instead, he asserted that state governments would maintain their sovereignty and independence within the constitutional system.
Coxe also highlighted the differences between the British monarchy and the American presidency under the Constitution. He pointed out that while the British king was also the head of the church, this was not possible under the Constitution. Additionally, he noted that while a king inherited his position for life, the American president would be one of the people and would be elected by the people every four years. He emphasized that the president was not delegated any authority to make laws, a power that the British king possessed.
Coxe's support for the Constitution extended beyond the ratification debates. He became assistant secretary of the treasury under Alexander Hamilton in 1789 and was appointed commissioner of revenue three years later. He also served in the Treasury Department of Presidents Washington and Adams. Throughout his career, he promoted American manufacturing, particularly the cotton industry, and served as president of the Pennsylvania Society for the Encouragement of Manufactures and the Useful Arts.
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Coxe's legacy as a Founding Father
Tench Coxe is often regarded as one of the most influential Founding Fathers of the United States, playing a pivotal role in shaping the country's early political and economic landscape. Born in 1755 in Philadelphia, Coxe came of age during the tumultuous period of the American Revolution. Despite maintaining a neutral stance during the War for Independence, Coxe's intellectual prowess and political acumen earned him a prominent role in the nation's formative years.
One of Coxe's most significant contributions to the ratification debates was his elucidation of federalism and the division of powers between the state and federal governments. He vehemently argued against the notion of "consolidation," asserting that the Constitution did not intend to centralize power in a single, all-encompassing national government. Instead, he emphasized the sovereignty and independence of state governments within the constitutional system.
In addition to his role in the ratification of the Constitution, Coxe's legacy extends to his support for industrialization and American manufacturing, particularly the cotton industry. He served as assistant secretary of the treasury under Alexander Hamilton and co-authored the influential Report on Manufactures in 1791. Coxe also promoted new technology, served as president of the Pennsylvania Society for the Encouragement of Manufactures and the Useful Arts, and was active in the Manufacturing Society of Philadelphia.
Furthermore, Coxe is remembered for his unwavering defence of the right to keep and bear arms. He wrote extensively on Second Amendment topics, including the nature of a "well-regulated militia" and the meaning of a "free state." Coxe's interpretation of the Second Amendment as guaranteeing an individual right to bear arms for self-defence, hunting, and militia purposes has informed the ongoing debate around gun rights in the United States.
In conclusion, Tench Coxe's legacy as a Founding Father is characterized by his intellectual contributions to the ratification of the Constitution, his support for industrialization and manufacturing, and his steadfast defence of the right to bear arms. His writings and political endeavours continue to shape the nation's understanding of its founding principles and the interpretation of constitutional rights.
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Coxe's political career and appointments
Tench Coxe was an American political economist and a delegate for Pennsylvania to the Continental Congress in 1788–1789. He was born in Philadelphia in 1755 to wealthy and aristocratic parents. He studied law at the College of Philadelphia (now the University of Pennsylvania) and joined his father's company in 1776.
Coxe began his long political career as a Whig. In 1786, he attended the Annapolis Convention, and in 1788 he was sent to the Continental Congress. He wrote three articles published in the Independent Gazetteer (Philadelphia) under the pseudonym "An American Citizen". In these articles, he examined the newly created US Constitution, focusing on the presidency and the two houses of Congress, and compared them favourably to the British Constitution.
Coxe was a strong supporter of the new Constitution and wrote numerous essays in its defence during the ratification debates of 1787–1788. These essays were widely published in newspapers across the United States and were more influential at the time than the Federalist Papers. He forcefully argued against the Anti-Federalist assertion that the Constitution would lead to "consolidation" or the centralization of power in the federal government. He explained and supported federalism, or the division of powers between the state and federal governments.
Coxe's political appointments include:
- Assistant Secretary of the Treasury (1789–1792): He served under Alexander Hamilton and co-authored the influential Report on Manufactures (1791).
- Commissioner of the Revenue (from 1792): He continued in this role while also serving as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
- Purveyor of Public Supplies (1800–1812): He held this position under President Thomas Jefferson, aligning himself with the Jeffersonian Republicans.
Throughout his career, Coxe recognised the importance of agriculture and promoted American manufacturing, particularly the cotton industry. He served as president of the Pennsylvania Society for the Encouragement of Manufactures and the Useful Arts. He also headed the Manufacturing Society of Philadelphia.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Tench Coxe did not sign the Constitution. However, he was a strong supporter of the Constitution and wrote numerous essays and articles in its defence.
Tench Coxe was a delegate for Pennsylvania to the Continental Congress in 1788-1789. He supported the adoption of the newly signed federal Constitution.
Tench Coxe was a strong advocate for the natural right to keep and bear arms. He also believed that the Constitution was not intended to centralize power in the federal government, but rather to maintain the sovereignty and independence of state governments.
Tench Coxe was a Federalist and a Democratic-Republican. He later became a Whig and aligned himself with the Jeffersonian Republicans.
Tench Coxe became the assistant secretary of the treasury under Alexander Hamilton in 1789 and was appointed commissioner of revenue three years later. He also served in the Treasury Department of Presidents Washington and Adams.
