Book: Observations on the New Constitution, and on the Federal and State Conventions

Introduction
"Observations on the New Constitution, and on the Federal and State Conventions" is a critical analysis of the United States Constitution, released anonymously by Mercy Otis Warren in 1788. Warren, a popular political author and participant in the revolutionary period, slammed both the drafting process and the proposed constitution itself on the basis of their perceived disintegration of fundamental liberties and an absence of sufficient safeguards for decentralized federal government. Warren's critique shows the bigger anti-federalist motion, which opposed the proposed constitution as being too centralized and favored a more democratic structure.

The Drafting Process
Warren starts by inspecting the preparing process of the constitution, which she calls "a work unmatched for ability and power". Nevertheless, she critiques the secrecy surrounding the process, arguing that it caused an unjust concentration of political power. She recommends that the new constitution needs to have been "sent to the people for their approbation". By performing the convention behind closed doors, she thinks the opened themselves as much as potential influence and corruption, resulting in a contract that may not represent the will of the people.

Centralization of Power
A considerable part of Warren's review revolves around the centralization of power in the proposed Constitution. She competes that the consolidation of federal powers produces an overbearing and monarchical federal government, which could threaten specific liberties and rights. Warren is concerned that the brand-new constitution places too much power in the hands of a select couple of, leading to a "complicated system of legislation and tyranny".

Warren is particularly worried about the facility of a strong executive branch, commanded by a president who she fears could look like a king. Her fear originates from the extensive powers granted to the president, such as the ability to make treaties and command the military. To counter this concentration of power, she advises suppressing the president's authority and influence, specifically citing the significance of limiting terms in office.

Additionally, Warren differs with the proposed judiciary system, which she believes would be too centralized and prone to corruption. She fears the potential for an elite class of judges that could undermine the democratic concepts underlying the United States.

Bill of Rights
Probably the most substantial critique consisted of in Warren's "Observations" is the omission of a Bill of Rights, a series of amendments clearly noting and protecting individual liberties. Warren argues that without such a document, the rights of the people might easily be infringed upon by an overpowering main government. Throughout her analysis, she frequently recommendations the value of clearly describing the rights of people to ensure their protection.

State Sovereignty
In "Observations", Warren pays significant attention to the value of keeping state sovereignty, as she believes it is a vital aspect of preventing an overpowering centralized federal government. She fears that the federal government, under the brand-new constitution, would become too strong and might potentially trespass upon the self-reliance of the states. Warren proposes that state governments maintain the authority to safeguard their people and remain accountable for the domestic affairs within their borders.

Conclusion
Mercy Otis Warren's "Observations on the New Constitution, and on the Federal and State Conventions" uses a valuable critique of the constitution drafting process and the proposed file itself from the point of view of the anti-federalist motion. Warren voiced her issues regarding the centralization of power, potential erosion of liberties, and the absence of a Bill of Rights. Her informative analysis added to the continuous debate about the structure of the United States government and the need to protect individual freedoms. Eventually, her require including a Bill of Rights was acknowledged, leading to the 10 changes to the Constitution called the Bill of Rights.