The "first essay" refers to the initial piece written by Brutus, one of the Anti-Federalists, which expressed his views on how to safeguard against tyranny in government.
Related terms
Anti-Federalist: A person who opposed the adoption of the U.S. Constitution and believed in limiting federal power.
Tyranny: The abuse of power by a government leader or ruling faction, resulting in oppression and lack of individual freedoms.
Safeguards: Measures put in place to protect individuals from potential abuses or encroachments on their rights by those in power.