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