Chapter 2 The Constitution
Bell ringer 9/21 Provide a one sentence explanation for each of the following philosopher's theory on political power. Provide a one sentence explanation for each of the following philosopher's theory on political power. Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau
Review on Yesterday’s Debate Locke:In the “state of nature” all men seek to protect “life, liberty and property”. Government should be bound to consent of people. Locke:In the “state of nature” all men seek to protect “life, liberty and property”. Government should be bound to consent of people. Hobbes: The state of nature is an Hobbes: The state of nature is an “all-out-war” so an all-powerful government is necessary * externally imposed order versus internal restraint*
Even before the Revolutionary War, many felt some form of union would be necessary if the rebellious colonies were to survive.
The Problem of Liberty The Colonial Mind The Colonial Mind Men will seek power because they are ambitious, greedy and easily corruptedMen will seek power because they are ambitious, greedy and easily corrupted The Weaknesses of the Confederation The Weaknesses of the Confederation Articles of ConfederationArticles of Confederation
North America in 1787, p. 22
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
John Hancock was proud to have signed the Declaration of Independence but thought so little of the presidency under the Articles of Confederation that he never bothered to accept the job. p. 24
Shays' Rebellion in western Massachusetts in 1786–1787 stirred deep fears of anarchy in America. The ruckus was put down by a hastily assembled militia. Why would this be in support of strong national government?
The Constitutional Convention The Lessons of Experience The Lessons of Experience State ConstitutionsState Constitutions Shay’s RebellionShay’s Rebellion The Framers The Framers 55 delegates, RI did not send a delegate55 delegates, RI did not send a delegate
Copyright © 2011 Cengage The Challenge The Virginia Plan –proposal to create a strong national government The Virginia Plan –proposal to create a strong national government The New Jersey Plan –proposal to create a weak national government The New Jersey Plan –proposal to create a weak national government The Compromise The Compromise popularly elected house based on state populationpopularly elected house based on state population state elected Senate, with two members for each statestate elected Senate, with two members for each state
Copyright © 2011 Cengage The Constitution and Democracy Republican Form of Government Republican Form of Government Key PrinciplesKey Principles Federalism Federalism Enumerated powers Enumerated powers Reserved powers Reserved powers Concurrent powers Concurrent powers Government of Human Nature Government of Human Nature Separation of powersSeparation of powers Checks and balancesChecks and balances
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Copyright © 2011 Cengage The Antifederalist View The Antifederalist View Need for a Bill of Rights Need for a Bill of Rights The Constitution and The Constitution andSlavery The Constitution and Liberty Ratification of the Federal Constitution by State Conventions, , p. 32
p. 35 American Antiquarian Society
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The Constitution was silent about slavery, and so buying and selling slaves continued for many years, p. 38 Copyright © 2011 Cengage Chicago Historical Society
Copyright © 2011 Cengage The Motives of the Framers Economic Interests Economic Interests The Constitution and Equality The Constitution and Equality This late-eighteenth- century cartoon shows the enthusiasm many people had for their new Constitution, p. 39 The Granger Collection
Copyright © 2010 Cengage Learning 20 Amending the Constitution Although 11,000 amendments have been considered by Congress, only 33 have been submitted to the states after being approved, and only 27 have been ratified since Although 11,000 amendments have been considered by Congress, only 33 have been submitted to the states after being approved, and only 27 have been ratified since ,000 27
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