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Equality in America
The tension between freedom and unfreedom in the American Revolution and the subsequent framing of the Constitution reflects the complexity of American history and its ongoing struggles with inequality. While the Declaration of Independence proclaimed that all men are created equal, the Constitution was designed to protect the interests of the wealthy and powerful, including slave owners.
The 3/5 Clause, which counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for the purpose of determining representation in Congress, was a clear indication of the Constitution's support for slavery. Moreover, the 20-year window on the importation of slaves allowed the slave trade to continue, and the fugitive slave law required free states to return escaped slaves to their owners, even if they had been living free for years (American Government, n.d.).
The Bill of Rights, which was added to the Constitution in 1791, guaranteed certain individual liberties, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press, but did not address issues of inequality, such as slavery or the rights of women and minorities. Ultimately, the Founding Fathers were more interested in paying lip service to and using the ideals of Enlightenment philosophy (for their own purposes) than they were in actually creating a state based fully and completely on those ideals and values.
Thus, the tension between freedom and unfreedom in the Constitution has had long-lasting effects on American society. The legacy of slavery and racism has persisted, despite the efforts of abolitionists, civil rights activists, and others. The struggle for equality continues to this day, with ongoing debates over voting rights, police brutality, and economic inequality.
In conclusion, the American Revolution and the Constitution were complex and multifaceted events that both advanced freedom and supported unfreedom. While the ideals of the Declaration of Independence were inspiring and revolutionary, the Constitution was designed to protect the interests of the wealthy and powerful, including slaveholders. This tension between freedom and unfreedom reflects the ongoing struggle for equality in American history, and highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing issues of inequality in our society.
References
American Government. (n.d.). Retrieved from American Government 3e (openstax.org)
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