Constitution in America, the Constitution

Constitution

In America, the Constitution is considered to be a sacred document that is the corner stone of daily life. As everyone can enjoy the fact that: they are given the freedom to determine for themselves, their own destiny. As the document, continues to inspire people around the world. This is important, because it show how the Constitution has become an example of: how a democracy can actively function (despite the changes that have taken place since its ratification). However, it is important to remember that these changes came during a time of tremendous upheaval. To fully understand what is taking place requires: examining the events that made the Constitution necessary and the different ideas of the federalist / anti-federalists. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights as to how the Constitution transformed society.

The Primary Aim

The primary aim of the Constitution was to create a strong government that is responsive to the will of the people. A draft document first emerged in 1787. However, the chain of events that led up to the drafting of the Constitution was: messy, bitter and acrimonious.

The Chain of Events

After the war for independence was over, the 13 colonies formed a pact that brought them together as a nation. This was known as the Articles of Confederation. It was adopted by: Congress in 1777 and formally ratified in 1778.

The loose federation of: the states and a weak central government (with very few powers) created a number of different challenges. As important matters such as: defense, public finance and trade were in the domain of state legislators. They could essentially do what they wanted, without any thought about the other states. With so much power vested in the state legislators, the central government had very little authority to engage in a number of different activities. The most notable include: the regulation of commerce, it could not levy taxes, it had trouble maintaining an army and it could not settle disputes between the states. At the same time, Congress had no money. This caused the currency to become worthless, giving rise to extraordinary inflation levels. At which point, the economy entered a severe contraction. Farmers were hurt the most. As some of them could not repay their loans and were put in jail. While others, saw their farms sold and confiscated (through foreclosure process). In some places the farmers were rebelling against the seizing of their properties. As they were beginning take up arms, to revolt against what was happening. Once the situation was becoming worse, some kind of drastic action had to be taken. As there were fears that a second revolution could occur or anarchy could ensue. It was in these moments, when the nation was staring head into an impending disaster. This forced Congress, to issue a call (in 1787) for the states, to send delegates to Philadelphia. The purpose of this Convention was to amend the Articles of Confederation.

Prior to its beginning came proposals offered by: James Madison and John Tyler. They wanted to give Congress the power to regulate commerce throughout: the different states. To discuss this issue, they created a plan to invite the delegate to attend the Convention. as, they were supposed to be: talking about commercial problems (on the surface). Then, the convention went beyond the commercial considerations of the states. As federalists wanted to have a strong central government that could address the underlying issues facing the nation.

The delegates assembled on May 25, 1787. They came from a vast range of: interests, backgrounds and ideologies. Their mandate was to amend the Articles of Confederation. However, with the strong intellectual capacity and acumen of: federalists like James Madison. This changed the overall scope of these events. As the other the delegates abandoned the Articles and started drafting a new Constitution. This had a strong central government, with considerably more powers. as, this document brought together a diverse group of people, from all walks of life.

This is important, because these events set the stage for the drafting of the Constitution. as, the document quickly became the foundation for a new form of government, that addressed the will of the people. Yet, it also had divided the nation into two different groups (the federalists and anti-federalists). The federalists were those who supported giving the federal government increasing powers. They believed that a strong central government was the key in helping to make the nation an economic power. While, the anti-federalist felt that the various freedoms that everyone enjoyed, needed to be protected and that the power of this new government should be limited. As a result, these two viewpoints formed the foundation of the debate, surrounding the ratification of the Constitution.

Federalists and Anti-Federalists

The period between the signing and approving of the Constitution was crucial. As the Article VII determined, that ratification required the approval of at least 9 states. At the heart of this issue, were fears that without a strong central government, some kind of chaos could ensue or another foreign power could invade. At the same time, everyone wanted to ensure that their freedom was protected by the new government.

However, nobody was certain if would pass. In fact, many opposed it. The anti-federalists were comprised largely of craftsman and farmers. They were fearful that the aristocracy within the centralized government were out to usurp their powers. As the federalists, were advocating a strong central government, with considerable authority over the states.

Federalists and Anti-Federalists

The anti-federalists had some noteworthy figures like: Patrick Henry and George Mason. Many of these individuals were local politicians, who feared losing much of their political power should the Constitution be ratified.

The federalists were generally from: a wealthier class and favored the creation of a strong, centralized form of government. This would unite different sates into one large nation. As they felt that a strong government can: restore order and stability, out of the prevailing chaos. This included leaders such as: James Madison and Alexander Hamilton. They did much of intellectual groundwork and politicking for the Constitution to take shape.

As described beautifully by Governor Morris, the critical issue was the distinction between: a federation and a national government. A federation was an agreement that was resting on the good faith of the parties; the latter is having a complete and compulsive operation. The anti-federalists were dead set against this. Even though the Convention was called to amend the Articles of Confederation, the enterprise evolved into the writing new Constitution. This is because of the ingenuity of federalists like: James Madison. He gave the delegates a way to frame the debate on their terms.

The anti-federalists problems with the Constitution were many and some of them continue to this day. They believed that the elites have overstated the problems facing the union. as, the federalists met under secrecy to: take away the power of the states. This is a violation of the provisions of the Articles of Confederation. The problem was that it was challenging to: govern a union of such length and distance with centralized form of government. This led to charges that the new government would become a dictatorship or a monarchy. as, they believed that tyranny that would become a challenge to: the country's freedoms. And that Congress would be: aristocratic, distant and with too few people representing large numbers of individuals.

The anti-federalists felt that the Constitution would breed the twin evils of: aristocracy and monarchy together. Moreover, it had no Bill of rights that would safeguard the personal freedoms of the nation.

The anti-federalists' undoing can be attributed one simple fact. They all knew what form of government they were against, but they had little clue, as to what form of government they wanted. This led to differing viewpoints about the Constitution in the anti-federalist camp.