notes part 2 (3/13/25)

Shay's Rebellion and the Articles of Confederation

• Shay's Rebellion highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

  • Issues included lack of federal power to raise an army and maintain order.

  • Establishments made to counteract the uprisings were necessary for domestic tranquility.

• The need for a strong federal government became evident.

Revolution from Articles of Confederation

• The new Constitution aimed to rectify the flaws of the Articles:

  • Establish justice and maintain domestic tranquility.

  • Provision for a common defense.

  • Regulation of trade.

The Constitution: Legislative Power

• Article I: Legislative Branch

  • All legislative power is vested in Congress, which consists of a Senate and a House of Representatives.

  • Section 2: House of Representatives

    • To be a Representative: Must be at least 25 years old, a citizen for 7 years, and inhabitant of the state they represent.

    • Implications for immigration and representation.

• The Great Compromise dealt with representation in Congress.

• Three-Fifths Compromise for apportioning representatives and taxes:

  • Counting slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation without explicitly mentioning slavery.

The Senate

• Senates consist of two representatives from each state served for six years.

• Senators were originally chosen by state legislatures, not popular vote.

• Minimum age for Senate is 30, requires 9 years of citizenship.

• Voter eligibility and representation considered:

  • Immigrants' roles in future governance.

Powers of Congress

• Congress has the power to:

  • Lay and collect taxes.

  • Borrow money.

  • Regulate commerce with foreign nations and states.

  • Establish naturalization and a uniform currency.

  • Create post offices and roads.

  • Declare war (reserved for Congress, not the President).

  • Raise and support armies and maintain a navy (essential for national defense).

The Executive Branch

• Article II: Executive Power

  • The executive power is vested in the President, serving a four-year term.

• President is commander in chief of the armed forces but cannot declare war independently.

• Powers include:

  • Making treaties with Senate approval (two-thirds).

  • Importance of checks and balances in governance.

The Electoral College

• Presidential election is not a direct vote.

  • Each state’s electors equal the sum of their senators and representatives.

• Criticism of the Electoral College:

  • Potential for a president to win without the popular vote.

  • Reflects a convoluted system designed to limit public electoral influence.

Commentary on Slavery

• Article IV, Section 2 addresses runaway slaves:

  • Clear implications regarding slaves without using the word ‘slave’—reflects the political compromises of the time.

  • The South demanded this provision for ratification, showing regional tensions.

Conclusion

• The Constitution sought to balance power and prevent tyranny while addressing the issues seen in the Articles of Confederation.

• Critical compromises marked the foundation of the new government framework, setting both the expectations and limitations of power among branches.