- 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.
- Would say that the social class structure of early United States society, was the same as ours today, or different? Explain.
- 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.
2 thoughts on “Discussion Board 6.1”
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Melissa Boatswain
POL-100
Based on the arguments presented in Readings 6.1 and 6.2, it is clear that the Constitution was
primarily crafted by the upper and middle classes—wealthy, educated white men, including
influential figures like George Washington and James Madison. These individuals represented
property owners, merchants, and professionals who sought to establish a government that would
safeguard their economic interests and political power. Conversely, the lower classes, including
poor farmers, laborers, enslaved individuals, and women, were largely excluded from the
constitutional process. They lacked political representation and were considered unqualified to
participate in governance. For instance, in Federalist Paper No. 10, Madison expresses concerns
about factions and the potential for majority rule to undermine property rights, underscoring the
priorities of the elite class. When comparing the social class structure of early U.S. society to
today, it is evident that they are different. In the 18th century, the distinctions were more rigid
and tied to property ownership, race, and gender. Only white male property owners had
significant political rights, while women and non-property owners faced substantial barriers.
While disparities still exist today, we see broader democratic principles, such as universal
suffrage, allowing for more diverse participation in governance. Contemporary movements aim
to increase equity and representation for marginalized groups, reflecting a shift from the
exclusionary practices of the past. The framers of the Constitution had a notable fear of
democracy, associating it with mob rule and the potential for lower-class domination. They
worried that direct democracy could jeopardize property rights and lead to instability, as
highlighted in Madison’s arguments about factions. The framers believed that a government
directly accountable to all citizens might result in decisions favoring the less affluent's immediate
interests rather than the common good. Given their social class status, the elite were concerned
that the lower classes could unite to threaten their rights and properties. As a result, they
Established a republican form of government with checks and balances to prevent the
unrestrained power of the majority, ensuring that a small, educated elite could govern on behalf
of the larger population. This design reflects their desire to maintain control over the political
process and safeguard the stability of a society they viewed as vulnerable to upheaval.
2.The social class structure of early United States society was very different than the social class we have in the United States. In the early United States society, your social class was affected by the family you were a part of, the amount of land that you owned. The amount of land that you owned was equivalent to how wealthy compared to how now a person’s wealth is closely linked to more modern things like finances, the amount of money you have, things that have to do with technology, etc. Besides just that, another thing that affected social class structure was the fact that middle class didn’t necessarily exist as much back then, since back then it was more so you were either considered wealthy or just poor working class and nothing in between, compared to out current society where there is a upper, middle, and lower class.