Assignment 2: American Constitution Following The Revolution

Assignment 2 American Constitutionfollowing The Revolutionary War And

Research the history of the American Constitution using the Argosy University online library resources. Respond to one question from each of the question sets A and B. A. Creating the Constitution Consider the three constitutional proposals: the Virginia Plan, the New Jersey Plan, and the Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise. If you were a delegate and without the experience of the past 200 years, which constitutional proposal would you have supported? Why? Why do you think the framers were silent on the issue of slavery in the wording of the Constitution? What were the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation? What were the issues in the Constitutional Convention? Who were the Federalists and Anti-Federalists? B. Living with the Constitution What are the formal and informal methods of constitutional change? How do checks and balances work in the lawmaking process today? Which current and important events do you think are examples of the success of checks and balances? Do you think the Constitution is a relevant political document for the twenty-first century? What new amendments might be appropriate today? Write your response to each in 150–200 words.

Paper For Above instruction

The development of the American Constitution was a complex process influenced by the diverse needs and perspectives of the founding delegates. As a hypothetical delegate without prior experience of the past two centuries, my support would have likely been for the Connecticut Compromise, or Great Compromise. This proposal balanced the interests of large and small states by creating a bicameral legislature—one house with representation based on population (House of Representatives) and another with equal representation for all states (Senate). This compromise addressed the conflicting demands of the Virginia Plan, which favored larger states, and the New Jersey Plan, which favored smaller states. Supporting the Connecticut Compromise would have aimed to ensure fair representation and foster cooperation among states, preventing dominance by larger states that could marginalize smaller ones. It embodies a pragmatic approach, recognizing the importance of compromise in forming a functional government. This approach proved vital in fostering unity and stability, principles vital for the young nation’s survival and growth.

The framers were notably silent on the issue of slavery in the initial wording of the Constitution, reflecting a strategic decision to maintain unity among states with divergent views on slavery. By omitting direct references, they avoided alienating slaveholding states or provoking immediate conflict, while also postponing the contentious debate over slavery’s abolition. This silence effectively protected the fragile consensus among states and allowed the institution of slavery to persist legally. However, this omission was a weakness, as it failed to recognize slavery’s moral and human rights implications. Over time, this silence contributed to deepening divisions that eventually led to the Civil War. The Articles of Confederation, the first governing document of the United States, had strengths and weaknesses. Its strengths included enabling the nation to win independence and establishing a union among the states. However, it lacked a strong central government, which limited its ability to enforce laws, regulate commerce, or raise revenue—weaknesses that became evident as the country grew. The issues in the Constitutional Convention primarily centered on creating a more effective federal government, balancing power between state and national authority, and resolving disputes over representation and slavery.

The Federalists and Anti-Federalists emerged as two opposing factions during the Constitution's debate. Federalists supported a strong central government and the ratification of the Constitution, emphasizing the need for a unified nation to ensure stability and security. Notable Federalists included Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. Conversely, Anti-Federalists were concerned that the new Constitution favored federal power over individual and states’ rights, potentially threatening personal freedoms. Leaders like Patrick Henry and George Mason voiced fears that a strong federal government might overshadow state sovereignty and diminish civil liberties. The Anti-Federalists demanded a Bill of Rights as a safeguard for individual freedoms, which was ultimately included to secure ratification. These debates laid the groundwork for the modern understanding of federalism and rights, shaping the evolving balance of power between the national government and the states. The ongoing dialogue between these groups underscores the dynamic nature of American constitutional development.

Living with the Constitution involves ongoing processes of change and adaptation. Formal methods of constitutional change include amendments, which require proposal by two-thirds of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states. Informal methods encompass judicial interpretation, legislative actions, and customs—such as the development of political parties or executive practices—that influence the understanding and application of the Constitution. Checks and balances remain fundamental to the American political system, distributing authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Today, checks and balances are evident in situations like presidential vetoes, Congressional overrides, judicial reviews, and investigations into executive actions. For example, recent Supreme Court rulings on executive orders demonstrate judicial oversight of presidential power, ensuring that no branch exceeds its constitutional limits. The Constitution remains relevant in the twenty-first century as its principles adapt to contemporary issues, but some amendments might be needed today. Proposals include clarifying voting rights, addressing digital privacy, and reforming campaign finance laws to enhance transparency and democracy. These adaptations would help sustain the Constitution’s relevance in the evolving political landscape.

References

• Flexner, J. T. (2019). The Making of the Constitution. Oxford University Press.
• Wood, G. S. (1998). The Creation of the American Republic, 1776-1787. University of North Carolina Press.
• Rakove, J. (2015). Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the Constitution. Common Courage Press.
• Farrand, M. (1937). The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787. Yale University Press.
• Amar, A. R. (2005). The Bill of Rights: Creation and Reconstruction. Yale University Press.
• Bailyn, B. (1992). The Great Republic: Presidents, Politics, and the American Mind. Vintage Books.
• Levi, S. (1988). The Origins of Federalism. University of Pennsylvania Press.
• Elazar, D. J. (1987). Exploring Federalism. University of Alabama Press.