John Adams: the Rule of Law and the Rule of Men

As a result of an article called "Massachusettensis, which was a Loyalist view regarding independence, Adams wrote letters responding to the point of views that this article reflected. During 1775, independence is a huge topic of discussion. The topic of independence is discussed during the First Continental Congress, which was held in Philadelphia. During this important meeting they discuss and argue about ideas of becoming a free and independent body apart from Britain. One of his letters is mentioned in the Annals of America, which is article number seventy located on page three hundred and eight in volume number two. This article is written by John Adams, and is titled "The Rule of Law and the Rule of Men." In his article, Adams debates if Parliament has the right to regulate trade between America and Britain. If America is part of Britain, then America should have a voice in Parliament. As America grows the ratio between Britain and America regarding representation in Parliament would give America more members because Britain is already full in capacity in the land they have. America's territory is so much bigger than Britain which is why this would back up the need for independence. Controlling the ocean between the two lands has become another argument of control. If America could maintain their own ports along the banks of the ocean then smuggling would begin to decline because actions would be made by the American courts instead of having the trial under maritime courts led by Britain. The Whigs want the Tories to be caught in their act of smuggling. If this would happen, then the Tories would lose not only money but their place in society making the Whigs happy. The Massachusettensis considers America "part of the British empire, subject to the supreme power of the state, which is vested in the estates in Parliament." Britain should have been regulating and governing over America since the first colonies were developed. Since they have given