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Motives of the Framers Chapter 2, Theme D
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Copyright © 2011 Cengage WHO GOVERNS? 1. What is the difference between a democracy and a republic? 2. What branch of government has the greatest power? TO WHAT ENDS? 1. Does the Constitution tell us what goals the government should serve? 2. Whose freedom does the Constitution protect?
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Copyright © 2011 Cengage The Motives of the Framers This late-eighteenth- century cartoon shows the enthusiasm many people had for their new Constitution The Granger Collection
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Economic Interests Modest role Varied widely Beard: Framers expected to benefit economically No clear division along class lines support this claim Recent research shows st. econ. gain outweighed personal gain (EX. Slaves)
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Elbridge Gerry (left, 1744–1814) was a wealthy Massachusetts merchant and politician who participated in the convention but refused to sign the Constitution. James Wilson (right, 1742–1798) of Pennsylvania, a brilliant lawyer and terrible businessman, was the principal champion of the popular election of the House. Near the end of his life, he was jailed repeatedly for debts incurred as a result of his business speculations. Copyright © 2011 Cengage Bettmann/CORBISHulton Archive/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
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Economic Interests These interests played into the ratifying conventions Who supported the Constitution? Merchants, urban, western landowners, held gov’t IOUs, abolitionists Who opposed the Constitution? Farmers, debtors, slave owners
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The Constitution was silent about slavery, and so buying and selling slaves continued until 1808. Copyright © 2011 Cengage Chicago Historical Society
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Equality Slaves not mentioned—see your notes on compromises. Why? How are women protected by the Constitution? Is our Government too weak to protect equality due to special interests? Does a strong government create inequality or prevent it?
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Modern Reforms Reduce separation of powers? Eliminate gridlock Limit interference with government agencies—Discuss summer IRS blog Make president stronger & more accountable with powers over the Congress.
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Modern Reforms Suggestions to reduce separation of powers? Amend the Constitution to allow members of Congress to be in Cabinet Allow the President to dissolve an ineffective Congress and hold special elections Allow Congress to call for a loss of confidence vote in the President Allow Congress & President to run as a ticket in each district Allow the President only one 6-year term Lengthen the HOR term to 4-years instead of 2
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Modern Reforms Suggestions for making the system less democratic? Limit by law taxes collected each year Require a balanced budget President should regain rescission authority through a line-item veto Clinton et. al. v. New York et. al. Limit the power of courts
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CT Exercises Quiz 1.Using question #10, part 1, how many days does Congress have to determine if the President is fit to return to his job? 2.Explain your answer for #7, part 2 by showing the math. 3.Who chooses the President if no one wins an electoral college majority? (#6, part 2) 4.What is the answer to #3b in part 1? 5.What is the answer to #8 in part 2?
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BOR Projects assigned. Due October 10 th !
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