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 framers of the Constitution were predominantly wealthy men, including figures like James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington. Or otherwise known as the founding fathers. These individuals had a vested interest in creating a government that would safeguard their economic interests and property rights. For instance, Hamilton’s Federalist Papers explicitly argue for a strong central government to stabilize the economy and protect commercial interests, reflecting the priorities of the elite. The process of drafting and ratifying the Constitution largely excluded those without property, including the poor, landless individuals, and women. The framers believed that only those who had a stake in the economic system i.e. property owners—should have a voice in government.
Would say that the social class structure of early United States society, was the same as ours today, or different? Explain. Both periods feature significant wealth inequality. In early America, a small elite owned most of the land and resources, while the majority struggled with poverty. Today, wealth is also concentrated among a small percentage of the population, with the top 1% holding a significant portion of the nation’s wealth. Early society was predominantly white and male, reflecting the exclusion of various racial and ethnic groups. Today’s society is more diverse, with ongoing struggles for representation and equality among different racial, ethnic, and gender groups.
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 framers of the Constitution were concerned about democracy primarily because they feared that unchecked popular rule could lead to mob rule and instability, which they believed would threaten their social and economic interests. the framers fear of democracy stemmed from their desire to protect their social class interests and maintain stability in a fledgling nation. They believed that a government should be run by educated elites who could make rational decisions, rather than by the masses, who they feared might act on impulse and disrupt the social order. This perspective shaped the structure of the constitution and the political landscape that followed.
