Porsche997SBS. 24 February 2007. Map of the United States in 1863, illustrating the affiliation of states and territories during the Civil War. The legend includes Union states, Union territories not permitting slavery, Border Union states permitting slavery, Confederate states, and Union territories permitting slavery (claimed by Confederacy). Available at: Image:US_Secession_map_1865.svg.

Civil War

Important People

Causes

Battles

The Confederacy's Goal: Establishing a Government System

The government system of the Confederate States of America, also known as the Confederacy, had a goal of establishing a system similar to the United States' Constitution. The Confederacy believed in the American idea that governments should rest on the consent of the governed, and that it is the right of the people to alter or abolish them at will, especially when they become destructive to the ends for which they were established.

Introduction: The Confederacy's Vision

In the midst of the American Civil War, the Confederate States of America sought to create a distinct government separate from the United States. They aspired not only to achieve political independence but also to establish a government structure that mirrored the successful framework of the United States' Constitution. By adopting key principles of consent and the people's rights to alter or abolish unjust governance, the Confederacy aimed to build a government that ensured the welfare and interests of its citizens.

Principles of Government: Resting on Consent

At the core of the Confederate government's ideology was the belief that governments should be based on the consent of the governed. This principle affirmed that the power to govern must come from the people themselves. It emphasized that the authority of the government is legitimate only when the people willingly grant it. The Confederacy sought to create a government that respected and valued the input and participation of its citizens.

The Right to Alter or Abolish: A Safeguard for the People

The Confederacy also recognized the right of the people to alter or abolish their government when it no longer served their best interests or became detrimental to their well-being. This principle, derived from the Declaration of Independence, affirmed that the people have the ultimate power to determine and shape their own government. It emphasized that oppressive or unjust governments should be replaced or reformed to ensure the protection of individual rights and the pursuit of a just society.

Consequences of New Condition: Organizing the Executive Branch

As a consequence of the Confederacy's new condition and relations with other nations, it became imperative to establish efficient branches of the Executive department. These branches would have special charges, including foreign intercourse, finance, military affairs, and the postal service. By organizing these departments, the Confederacy aimed to address the anticipated needs of its new nation and ensure the smooth functioning of its government.

Conclusion: The Confederacy's Aspiration for a Just Government

In summary, the Confederacy aspired to establish a government system modeled after the United States' Constitution. Their goal was to uphold the American idea that governments should rest on the consent of the governed. They believed in the right of the people to alter or abolish their government when necessary. By organizing branches of the Executive department, the Confederacy aimed to meet the anticipated demands of their new nation. While the Confederacy's aspirations were never fully realized, their vision of a just government leaves a lasting legacy in the historical narrative of the American Civil War.