Chapter 3 Notes: The Constitution - The Challenge of Democracy (15th Edition)

Revolutionary Roots of the Constitution

The historical and ideological origins, largely born from colonial grievances against British rule and the American Revolution, that shaped the framework of the U.S. Constitution.

Basics of the American Constitution

Divides government into three branches, describes their powers, outlines interaction between government and governed, defines the relationship between national government and states, and is designed to prevent anarchy. It emphasizes balancing national power with state sovereignty and checks against tyranny.

Three branches of government (U.S.)

The legislative, executive, and judicial branches into which the U.S. government is divided, each with specific powers.

Colonial Freedoms

Colonists enjoyed freedoms such as landowners controlling property, no compulsory payments to church, no wage ceilings, and no professional guilds.

Path to Revolution

British taxes and colonial resistance (e.g., Boston Tea Party) led to Britain's 'Intolerable' Acts. The First Continental Congress aimed for reconciliation.

Revolutionary Action Timeline

Colonial movement began 1775 (Second Continental Congress). Declaration of Independence drafted by Jefferson, approved July ext{ }4, 1776. Peace treaty concluded September ext{ }1783.

Thomas Jefferson

Primary author of the Declaration of Independence, basing arguments for separation from British rule on John Locke’s natural rights.

Articles of Confederation (Creation and Adoption)

Debated for over a year, adopted November 15, 1777, and took effect March 1, 1781. It retained state sovereignty, gave each state one vote in Congress, and granted the national government little power.

Ratification of Articles of Confederation

Adopted November 15, 1777.

Effective Date of Articles of Confederation

March 1, 1781.

Major Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

The national government lacked power to tax, had no independent leadership, could not regulate interstate and foreign commerce, and required unanimous agreement to be amended.

Disorder Under the Confederation

The national government had no real economic or military power, leading to debt and bankruptcy problems. Shays’s Rebellion highlighted the central government's weakness, as states rejected requests for money for a national army.

Failure of the Articles of Confederation

Resulted from a weak national government that lacked power to tax, had no independent leadership, could not regulate commerce, and required unanimous consent for amendments. This led to economic and military weaknesses like Shays's Rebellion.

Constitutional Convention (1787)

Convened in May 1787 in Philadelphia to create a new governmental framework due to the failure of the Articles. Delegates from 12 of 13 states attended (Rhode Island did not), and proceedings were kept secret to avoid public backlash.

Virginia Plan (Madison)

Proposed by Virginia, this plan suggested a strong central government with three branches, a bicameral legislature based on population, a national judiciary, and the power to override state laws.(favored larger states)

New Jersey Plan (Small States)

Proposed amending, rather than replacing, the Articles; featured a single-chamber legislature with equal representation for states, no national courts, a multi-person executive with no veto, and supreme law remaining with the states.

Major Differences: Virginia vs. New Jersey Plan

The Virginia Plan proposed a strong national government with population-based representation, while the New Jersey Plan emphasized equal representation for all states, reflecting concerns of smaller states.

Virginia vs. New Jersey Plan Characteristics (Legislature)

Virginia Plan: 2 chambers; New Jersey Plan: 1 chamber.

Virginia vs. New Jersey Plan Characteristics (Legislative Power)

Virginia Plan: derived from the people; New Jersey Plan: derived from the states.

Virginia vs. New Jersey Plan Characteristics (Executive)

Virginia Plan: unspecified size; New Jersey Plan: more than one person.

Virginia vs. New Jersey Plan Characteristics (Decision Rule)

Virginia Plan: majority; New Jersey Plan: extraordinary majority.

Virginia vs. New Jersey Plan Characteristics (State Laws)

Virginia Plan: legislature can override; New Jersey Plan: national law is supreme.

Virginia vs. New Jersey Plan Characteristics (Executive Removal)

Virginia Plan: by Congress; New Jersey Plan: by a majority of the states.

Virginia vs. New Jersey Plan Characteristics (Courts)

Virginia Plan: national judiciary; New Jersey Plan: no provision for national judiciary.

Virginia vs. New Jersey Plan Characteristics (Ratification)

Virginia Plan: by the people; New Jersey Plan: by the states.

The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)

A compromise between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans, establishing a bicameral legislature with House representation based on population and a Senate with equal representation (two senators per state) elected by the legislature.

Compromise on the Presidency

Established the Electoral College, where electors (equal to the number of representatives in Congress) vote for president and vice president. If no majority, the House chooses. Eliminated fear of a direct popular vote for president, setting four-year terms.