Three Fears of the Founding Fathers: From the Articles of Confederation to the US Constitution

Fear #1: King George III (Monarchy)

Solution: A Republic – Not a Monarchy

• “We the People” ratify/accept the Constitution

• Almost anyone can run for office

• Regular elections

II. Fear 2: Articles of

Confederation

(A Weak Government)

Solution: A Stronger National Government

• The power to tax

• A president and court system

• Supremacy Clause – National Govt. > States

III. Fear 3: Direct Democracy & The Tyranny of the Majority

Solution: Majority Rule – But Limited

1. Bill of Rights

2. People Vote for Representatives – But Not President, Senators, Judges

3. Three Branches of Govt. & Checks and Balances

4. Two Houses: Senate & House of Representatives (Bicameralism)

Strong National Government

Weak National Government

Monarchy Direct Democracy

IV. Two Constitutional Compromises

A. Big States, Small States, and the Great Compromise

Total # of Reps

# of Reps Per State

Makes Happy

House 435 Varies By Population

Big States

Senate 100 Gets 2 Small States

B. Slave States, Free States, and the 3/5 Compromise