CONFLICT AND COMPROMISE

and the Constitution

The Founding Document

The Power of Impeachment

Deciding Power

The Patriot Act

Checks and Balances

Why Did We Need a Constitution?

Why Did We Need a Constitution?

Political Ideals of the Framers

Human Nature and Its Implications for Democracy

• The framer’s viewed human nature as acting in their self interest

• One of the challenges government faces is dealing with various factions that work towards self-serving goals rather than broader community interests.

Economic Interests and the Founders

Origins of Our Constitution: Compromise at the Convention

• Majority rule vs. minority rights

• Large states vs. small states

• Legislative vs. executive power

• National vs. state and local power

• Slave states vs. nonslave states

Majority Rule vs. Minority Rights

Small States vs. Large States

• Virginia Plan (favoring large states) vs.

• New Jersey Plan (favoring small states)

• Great Comprise

Legislative vs. Executive Power

• How much power should the President have relative to the legislative branch?

Federal vs. State Power

Slave States vs. Non-Slave States

Slave States vs. Non-Slave States (Cont.)

Ratification

Exclusive Powers (by Branch)

• While the Constitution has its flaws (slavery, undemocratic elections of senators, and the president), its principles of separation of powers and checks and balances have lasted for over 220 years. So, what does the Constitution say?

The Constitution: A Framework for Government

Is the Constitution a “Living Document”?

Amendments Introduced in Congress That Did Not Pass

Amendments Introduced in Congress That Did Not Pass (cont’d)

Turning a Blind Eye

• Irrelevant parts are ignored in modern America.

Ambiguity

Multiple Interpreters

Amending the Constitution

Public Opinion Poll

Do you believe the U.S. Constitution written at the Philadelphia Convention of 1787 was driven more by noble principles or political self-interests?

a) Driven primarily by noble principles

b) Driven primarily by political self-interests

c) A mix of noble principles and political self-interests

Public Opinion Poll

How would you characterize a contemporary group of political leaders who declare their independence and call for an armed revolution in response to their dissatisfaction with government taxes and representation?

a) Patriotsb) Terroristsc) Neither

Public Opinion Poll

Do you believe the U.S. Constitution with its included amendments would be ratified by a majority of Americans if put forward as a referendum during the next election?

a) Yes

b) No

Public Opinion Poll

Considering the current number of amendments to the U.S. Constitution, the number of amendments that have failed, and the stability of our Constitution, do you believe the process for amending the U.S. Constitution is too difficult, about right, or too easy?

a) Too difficult

b) About right

c) Too easy

Public Opinion Poll

How do you believe the Founding Fathers would view the contemporary U.S. government?

a) Strongly approveb) Approve, but with some concernsc) Disapproved) Strongly disapprove

Chapter 2: The Constitution and the Founding

• Practice quizzes

• Flashcards

• Outlines

wwnorton.com/studyspace

Following this slide, you will find additional slides with photos, figures, and captions from the textbook.

Conflicts Around The Constitution

The U.S. Constitution as a Model for Other Nations