Chapter 2 Constitutional Democracy
Jan 14, 2016
Chapter 2Constitutional Democracy
John Locke’s idea of inalienable, or natural, rights influence founding fathers
Declaration a call to revolution and not a framework for anew government
Ideas contained in document were incorporated into constitution
Declaration of Independence
First government in U.S. based on these Adopted during Revolutionary War Why it failed:1. Too weak a central government2. No national court system3. Issue of taxation4. Shay’s rebellion
Articles of Confederation
Federalists: supported ratification of the proposed Constitution of the United States between 1787 and 1789.
The Federalist Papers (See Homework assignment 1) are documents associated with their movement.
Anti-federalists: opponents of the constitution; concerned too strong a central government
Federalists v. Anti-Federalists
James Madison helped craft Constitution Often referred to as “Grandfather of
Constitution: Concerned with minority or majority tyranny
or factions taking control (did not want another king)
Believed pure democracy is impossible and suggested a federal government
Blueprint for Political System
Virginia Plan (aka large-state and/or Randolph plan)
One option introduced at Constitutional Convention
Drafted by James Madison Called for a two-chamber Congress Provided representation in both chambers
based on size of states
Constitutional Options
New Jersey Plan (Small-state plan) Called for stronger national government with
power to tax and regulate In most other respects, same as Articles of
Confederation Congress would be single chamber Each state would have a single vote
Constitutional Options
Ended debate over whether to choose the Virginia Plan or New Jersey Plan
Created a two-chamber (bicameral) Congress.
House apportioned by population Senate would be apportioned by equal
number of 2 votes per state.
Great Compromise
North-South Compromise Counting slaves as 3/5 person for
apportionment purposes Highly controversial Troubled many of the founding fathers Issue of dependency of slavery
Slavery
Offered new framework for government Constitution: fundamental law of the land. Language purposefully vague Has lasted over 200 years and serves as
basis for most of world’s current constitutions
Constitution
Prevents powers from becoming too concentrated
Article I established the Congress and gives legislative responsibilities
Article II establishes presidency Article III establishes judiciary
Separation of Powers
Guard against concentration of power Example: To pass a law, both House and
Senate must pass. President can sign or veto. Supreme court can rule on constitionality.
Checks and Balances