Mod 7: Study Notes on Early U.S. Government

Module Overview: Discussion on the early government of the United States.
Context: The founding fathers faced significant divisions and debates over what kind of government to establish after the American Revolution.
Common Misconceptions:
- The US Constitution was not a predetermined outcome.
- Founding fathers envisioned changing the course of history to avoid corruption that plagued other nations.
- The Articles of Confederation did not include a president.
- There was an expectation that Canada might become part of the United States.

Definition and Structure:
- The first constitution of the US created a confederation—a loose alliance among the thirteen states.
- Established a unicameral legislature (Confederation Congress) with no executive or judicial branches.
State Power vs. National Power:
- Power predominantly remained with individual states.
- A highlight of a conflict was that there was skepticism about needing a strong national government.

Lack of Executive Authority:
- No means to enforce laws or policies; decisions made by Congress were difficult to implement.
Financial Troubles:
- The fledgling economy was in turmoil; significant inflation plagued the continental dollar.
- Borrowing heavily amidst economic instability proved unsustainable.
Trade and Foreign Relations:
- Congress lacked the authority to regulate trade effectively or to sign treaties with enforceable power.
Disputes Among States:
- Conflicts over boundaries and resources exacerbated tensions among states.

Elite Vision:
- Comprised of wealthy planters and educated individuals who had government experience.
- Key Figures: George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson.
- Focused on preventing executive corruption:
- Beliefs:
  - Feared the masses (“the people”) and sought a balanced three-branched government with emphasis on wisdom and character in leadership.
- Disliked popular elections as they were viewed as popularity contests, preferred candidates of high status and virtue.
Democratic Vision:
- Advocated for power to the common people, represented by artisans and small farmers.
- Key Figures: Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry.
- Desired to limit authority of executive branches:
- Beliefs:
  - Favored more frequent elections (annual) of legislative representatives.
  - Emphasized importance of informed voting based on issues rather than personal attributes.

Convocation Motivation:
- Called in 1787, not as a direct response from the populace or states, but driven by elite concerns (especially from Alexander Hamilton and James Madison).
- Many delegates believed significant problems under the Articles of Confederation needed to be addressed.
Key Attendees:
- George Washington: Selected as president of the convention, his presence ensured some public trust in the process.
- James Madison: Often referred to as the “Father of the Constitution” due to his pivotal role and thorough preparation.
- Alexander Hamilton: Advocated for a strong national government and sought to address economic issues.
- Notable absences included John Adams (diplomatic duties in England), Thomas Jefferson (diplomatic duties in France), and Patrick Henry (refusal citing distrust).

Public Reaction:
- Diverse responses to the newly proposed Constitution, laying the groundwork for further discourse on federal authority vs. states’ rights.
- Increasing concern over the balance of power and governance issues stemming from the article of confederation era.

The foundation of the United States government was characterized by significant ideological divisions, leading to the creation of the Constitution as a response to the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation.
The debates highlighted the tensions between elite governance and popular democracy, foreshadowing conflicts in American politics that would continue for generations.