Road to the Constitution

The Origins of the Constitution Declaration of Independence pg 693

1= Preamble “When in the course…” 2= Declaration of Natural Rights “We hold these truths…” 3= List of Grievances “Such has been the …” 4= Resolution of Independence by the United States “We,

therefore, the….”

Each group member should read their part of the Declaration and summarize the section in two concise sentences. What is the point and why are they saying it? What is the DOI as a whole? Philosophy? Declaration of War?

System of Government?

Locke’s Influence Natural rights Equality Consent of the governed Limited Government Right to Revolt

Parallels on pg 34

The Articles of Confederation Location of Power

Why? Weaknesses

The Origins of the Constitution

”Turmoil” Shays’ Rebellion Angry farmers mad

about foreclosures attack courthouses

Congress was not able to send an army to stop them

Shows problems of the Articles of Confederation

Who were the founders at the Constitutional Convention? Wealthy planters, lawyers, merchants. Independently wealthy landowners Educated Held a cynical view of human nature

Why? Thomas Hobbes influence?

James Madison

If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.

Madisonian Model

Limiting Majority Control Separating Powers Creating Checks and Balances Establishing a Federal System

Figure 2.3

Issues and Solutions Voting

Let the states decide qualifications (Future problems???) Slavery

Do not forbid it but allow for Congress limit “importing” of slaves in the future

Escaped slaves must be returned to owner Representation

Virginia Plan vs New Jersey Plan= Connecticut Compromise Slaves counted as 3/5ths person

Ratifying the Constitution = 9/13 States

Federalists Weaker state

governments Indirect election Longer terms Government by the

elite Not concerned about

individual liberties

Anti-Federalists Strong state

governments Direct election Short terms of office Government by

common man Strong protections of

individual liberties

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO7FQsCcbD8

Read Federalist #10 and Objections of George Mason

Bill of Rights

Helps to secure individual liberties the anti-feds were concerned about.

Page 51

Amendment Process Allows Constitution to

adapt over time 2/3rd of Congress and

3/4ths of state legislatures

The Constitution- The Good, Bad, and the Ugly Identify 3

advantages to the “American system of government”

Identify 3 disadvantages to the “American system of government”

Ratification Debate Many of the ideas in the Federalist/Anti-Federalist debates seem to

some quite relevant today. Some would say it all boils down to a question of the benefits of a

strong central government versus states’ rights or the rights of states to make their own decisions. Others would say it is a question of more government controls versus an individual’s personal right to make his or her own decision as to what is best for him or her. After studying both sides of the debates for and against ratification, how do you feel? Based on all that we’ve done this week, would you classify yourself as a Federalist or Anti-Federalist and why?

If the 1787 Constitution were presented today for ratification, would it be ratified? Why or why not? What issues are still relevant today as in1787? What issues are different?