Summary

1. Both readings 6.1 and 6.2 highlight the dominance of the wealthy elite in the drafting of the Constitution. The Constitution was primarily written by members of the propertied class, including wealthy landowners, merchants, and creditors. These individuals had significant economic interests and sought to protect their wealth and property through the establishment of a new government. Parenti emphasizes that many of the framers of the Constitution, such as George Washington, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton, were wealthy landowners and merchants. They were instrumental in shaping the Constitution to reflect their interests, such as the protection of property rights and the establishment of a strong central government. On the other hand, the class that was largely excluded and not allowed to participate in the Constitutional process were the disenfranchised and economically marginalized groups. This included slaves, indentured servants, individuals who did not meet property qualifications for voting, and disenfranchised women. They lacked representation in the Constitutional Convention and were unable to influence the content of the Constitution to reflect their interests or address their grievances. The Constitution was written primarily by the wealthy elite to serve their economic interests, while the disenfranchised and economically marginalized groups were excluded from the process and had little to no representation in shaping the document.

2. The social class structure of early United States society, as depicted in readings 6.1 and 6.2 was notably different from the structure of contemporary society. In the colonial and post-revolutionary periods, society was highly stratified, with distinct classes characterized by wealth, land ownership, and social status. The elite class consisted of wealthy landowners, merchants, and political leaders who wielded significant economic and political power. Below them were the working class, comprised of laborers, indentured servants, slaves, and small farmers. This working class often struggled with economic hardship, limited rights, and little social mobility. The disenfranchised groups, including slaves, indentured servants, and women, were excluded from political participation and had little influence over the decision-making process. In contrast, contemporary society exhibits a more complex and fluid social class structure. While wealth and income disparities still exist, the categories of social class have evolved and expanded. The middle class has grown in size and diversity, encompassing professionals, managers, and skilled workers across various industries. However, the middle class faces challenges such as economic insecurity, job precarity, and rising costs of living. Additionally, there is a growing awareness of issues related to socioeconomic inequality and systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities, including racial minorities, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Furthermore, contemporary society is characterized by the emergence of new social classes and identities shaped by factors such as education, occupation, and cultural capital. The rise of technology and globalization has created opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation, and wealth accumulation, leading to the formation of a new affluent class consisting of tech entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate executives. Conversely, there is a growing recognition of the precariat, a class of individuals experiencing precarious employment, financial instability, and social insecurity. While early United States society was marked by rigid social hierarchies and distinct class divisions, contemporary society exhibits a more nuanced and dynamic class structure shaped by historical developments, economic transformations, and social movements. While some parallels can be drawn between the two periods, the social class structure of contemporary society reflects a broader range of identities, experiences, and inequalities than that of early United States society.

3. The people who wrote the Constitution were afraid of democracy because they perceived it as a potential threat to their economic interests, social stability, and political power. Their apprehensions were rooted in their positions as members of the wealthy elite, who sought to protect their privileges and maintain control over the governance of the new nation.