American Government Chapter 2: The Constitution and Its Origins
Introduction
The U.S. Constitution is one of the oldest and shortest written constitutions still in existence.
It symbolizes democracy and is the result of pragmatic compromises.
The Constitution requires compromise to function properly.
Questions addressed: How was it written? What compromises were needed for ratification?
2.1 The Pre-Revolutionary Period and the Roots of American Political Tradition
Learning Objectives
Identify the origins of American political ideas about representational government.
Summarize British actions leading to the Revolution.
Key Points
American political thought evolved from European ideas.
John Locke influenced American beliefs about government and natural rights.
Magna Carta (1215) and English Bill of Rights (1689) influenced American constitutional ideas.
Locke's social contract theory: Government protects life, liberty, and property.
American Revolution was motivated by perceived violations of rights by the British.
2.2 The Articles of Confederation
Learning Objectives
Steps taken during/after the Revolution to create a government.
Main features and crises of the Articles of Confederation.
Key Points
Articles of Confederation: first U.S. national government framework.
Created a weak central government; states retained many powers.
Lacked power to tax, regulate trade, or raise an army; led to financial and defense problems.
Shay’s Rebellion highlighted weaknesses.
Calls for revision led to the Constitutional Convention.
2.3 The Development of the Constitution
Learning Objectives
Identify conflicts and compromises in drafting the Constitution.
Summarize the structure of the U.S. government under the Constitution.
Key Points
Constitutional Convention (1787) led to a new government framework.
Key debates over representation, especially between large and small states.
Great Compromise: Bicameral legislature with Senate (equal representation) and House (population-based).
Three-Fifths Compromise for counting enslaved people.
Created separation of powers and checks and balances.
2.4 The Ratification of the Constitution
Learning Objectives
Steps required for ratification.
Arguments for/against a strong national government.
Key Points
Constitution required ratification by 9 of 13 states.
Debate between Federalists (pro-Constitution) and Anti-Federalists (concerned about state power and lack of Bill of Rights).
Federalist Papers advocated for ratification and explained the Constitution.
Promise of a Bill of Rights helped secure ratification.
Constitution ratified by all 13 states eventually.
2.5 Constitutional Change
Learning Objectives
Describe how the Constitution can be amended.
Discuss significant amendments.
Key Points
Constitution is a living document, amendable via Congress and states.
First 10 Amendments: Bill of Rights.
Key amendments include the 13th (abolishing slavery), 14th (citizenship and equal protection), 15th (voting rights regardless of race), and 19th (women's suffrage).
Amendments have reflected changing societal values and needs.