1.Based on the arguments presented in Readings 6.1 and 6.2, which social class wrote the Constitution, and which class was excluded and not allowed to participate in this process? In your comment, make sure you clearly specify the difference between the two classes by giving examples from the readings.

The social class that predominantly wrote the Constitution consisted of wealthy landowners, merchants, and creditors, as argued by Charles Beard in Reading 6.2. These individuals were economically privileged and sought to protect their own interests, such as property rights and economic stability. On the other hand, the class excluded from the constitutional process was the working class, particularly laborers and those lacking material wealth. Their voices and perspectives were marginalized, as they did not hold significant economic or political power. For example, Beard highlights the economic motivations of the framers, showing how their wealth and property interests shaped the Constitution to favor their class.

2.Would say that the social class structure of early United States society, was the same as ours today, or different? Explain.

The social class structure of early United States society was different from ours today. In the 18th century, the society was primarily agrarian, with a smaller industrial base, and was largely structured around agricultural landownership. Additionally, there were fewer layers of economic stratification compared to today’s complex capitalist society, with more distinct class boundaries. However, there are still parallels in terms of wealth inequality and the influence of economic interests on politics.

3.Why were the people who wrote the Constitution so afraid of democracy? Hint: think about how to answer this question by discussing it in terms of social classes.

The people who wrote the Constitution were apprehensive about democracy because they feared the potential for majority rule to threaten their economic interests and property rights. The wealthy elite, who primarily composed the framers, were concerned that a purely democratic system would empower the working class and lead to redistributive policies that could undermine their wealth and privilege. Therefore, they crafted a system of checks and balances to temper the influence of democracy and preserve their own socioeconomic status.