
The formation process of the shackled leviathan in America shares many similarities with that of Athens. The foundation of the established order in America is attributed to the founding fathers; however, this matter is contradictory as basic rights were added to the constitution later on. The founding fathers, revered as heroes by Americans, did not prioritize these rights and often overlooked them. Their goal was not to liberate the people but rather to limit the government. There was significant chaos and disorder; state assemblies acted like independent states, collecting taxes, printing their own money, and making decisions autonomously. Therefore, the founding fathers supported laws that restricted and limited these decisions, contrary to the Federalists.
The Federalists, considered the founders of the state, faced a serious obstacle in the form of the Articles of Confederation. They were aware that healthy state growth and breaking the shackles of the Leviathan structure would come with recognizing certain freedoms for the people and removing norm restrictions. They could foresee a series of problems resulting from excessive strengthening of the federal system. Allowing humans to govern themselves would put pressure on the people, leading to unrest. As this pressure increased, the people would become agitated, and the control of the people over the government, as well as the government’s accountability to the people, would diminish.
The Federalists were not enthusiastic about establishing this structure, as their extreme democratic attitudes were criticized. Still, they believed that the Leviathan would control them. A critical decision was made to add the Bill of Rights section to the Constitution, limiting their own rights. This way, those who would eventually have to submit to the Leviathan secured themselves. Federalists did not willingly embrace this decision, as their excessively democratic stance was criticized. Still, they believed that the Leviathan would control them. This critical decision not only prevented the United States from becoming a despotic state but also shaped the power balance that allowed the Leviathan to be restrained despite its later empowerment.
In 1789, the American state was weak and had a simple structure. Today, we have higher expectations from the government in terms of conflict resolution, establishing a social safety net, and providing public services. The reason for all of these achievements is the Red Queen. If, at the time, society had imposed strict limits on what the government could do, the benefits we receive from the government today would not exist. At the same time, we would not be subject to some violations of boundaries by the government. The U.S. government has evolved over the last 230 years. It has not become desensitized; it has become more responsive to the needs and demands of its citizens. The growth is attributed to the government’s awareness of its shackle and its ability to be accountable.
The development of state-society relations in the 19th century America, driven by the unique nature of the Red Queen, occurred in a complex and unpredictable manner. As central government power increased, society became more active in resisting interference in their lives. In response, the elite and the state reacted. The most significant issue was the conflicts between the Northern and Southern states over slavery. This situation led to undesirable concessions in the constitution. The decision of seven Southern states to secede from the U.S. resulted in one of the deadliest conflicts of the 19th century. The decision was not recognized by the U.S., and the Civil War began. Much of the Southern economy was destroyed, and 750,000 lives were lost. The power balance shifted significantly against the elite, especially the Southern elite, due to the emancipation of slaves, recognition of basic rights, and granting of voting rights. We owe these rights to social mobility, which is inherent in the nature of the Red Queen.
Today, the U.S. government has a complex and powerful structure. The reason behind this growth lies in the government’s awareness of being able to be accountable and shackled. The resolution of the collective action problem is crucial because non-institutionalized forms of power projection are unpredictable. The reason is their unreliability in solving collective action problems. Institutionalized power is more systematic and predictable. Two sources of power were crucial in the construction of the U.S. constitution: the non-institutionalized power of society, which arose from the struggle against Britain, and the institutionalized power, which shaped the power balance that allowed the Leviathan to be restrained despite its later empowerment.
In conclusion, the intricate dance between the state and society in the United States, shaped by the Red Queen effect, has been a fascinating journey marked by challenges, conflicts, and a continuous quest for balance. From the tumultuous founding days when the founding fathers grappled with establishing a stable order, to the 19th-century struggles over issues like slavery that reshaped the power dynamics, the story of the American Leviathan is one of evolution and adaptation.
The incorporation of the Bill of Rights, the recognition of basic freedoms, and the constant negotiation between state power and individual liberties have defined the American experience.
The concept of the Red Queen, emphasizing the need for both societal activism and institutionalized power, highlights the delicate equilibrium required for a Leviathan to be both potent and restrained. The United States, over its history, has managed to strike a dynamic balance that allows for state growth while preventing unchecked power.
As we reflect on the past, it becomes evident that the U.S. government’s responsiveness and the benefits derived from it are intricately linked to the nation’s ability to navigate the challenges posed by the Red Queen. Social mobility, collective action, and the continuous dialogue between state and society have been instrumental in shaping the American Leviathan.
While the journey has been fraught with complexities, conflicts, and uncertainties, the United States stands as a testament to the enduring capacity of a nation to adapt, learn, and grow. The Red Queen’s influence persists, reminding us that the dynamic interplay between state and society is an ongoing process, crucial for the maintenance of a just and accountable Leviathan.