Overview
This lecture covers the origins and key features of the U.S. Constitution, significant compromises during its writing, and processes for constitutional change, focusing on distinctions between republicanism and democratic ideals.
Origins of the Constitution
- Early American colonists valued their rights as British subjects but felt threatened by British trade and taxation policies.
- Taxes on sugar, tea, and stamps without colonial consent were seen as tyranny.
- Armed conflict and works like Thomas Paine’s Common Sense pushed the colonies toward independence.
- The Declaration of Independence (1776) emphasized unalienable rights, consent of the governed, and the right to abolish tyrannical government, drawing on John Locke's philosophy.
- The Declaration omitted issues like women's rights, Indigenous rights, and strategically, slavery.
Articles of Confederation
- Adopted in 1777, created a weak central government and left most power to the states.
- Central government could not levy taxes, regulate interstate commerce, or enforce laws effectively.
- Required supermajorities for legislation and unanimity for amendments, stalling progress.
Republicanism vs. Democratic Ideal
- Framers preferred republicanism (government based on consent, limited power, property rights, indirect rule).
- The democratic ideal emphasizes broader participation, direct rule, majority rule, and less focus on property.
- Framers feared excess democracy might threaten property and stability (e.g., Shays’ Rebellion).
Constitutional Compromises and Features
- The Connecticut Compromise established a bicameral legislature: House (by population) and Senate (equal for all states).
- Slavery addressed via the Three-Fifths Compromise, postponement of slave trade legislation, and fugitive slave clause.
- Presidency designed as a single executive, chosen by the Electoral College (not direct vote).
- Federalism divided power between federal and state governments.
- Limited government enforced by enumerated powers and the Bill of Rights.
- Checks and balances and separation of powers prevent concentration of authority.
Ratification and Amendments
- Federalists supported, Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution due to fear of strong central government and absence of a Bill of Rights.
- Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments) added in 1791 to secure ratification.
- Amending the Constitution requires 2/3 of Congress and 3/4 of state legislatures; only 27 amendments have passed.
- The Supreme Court (via judicial review) and evolving political practices can also change constitutional meaning.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Unalienable Rights — Rights that cannot be taken away or given by government.
- Republicanism — A government based on consent, limited power, and indirect rule by representatives.
- Three-Fifths Compromise — Agreement to count enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation.
- Federalism — Division of power between national and state governments.
- Checks and Balances — System where branches of government can limit each other's power.
- Judicial Review — Supreme Court power to declare laws or actions unconstitutional.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read Chapter 2 and Chapter 1 in full.
- Complete all assigned readings for discussion this week.