- 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.
5 thoughts on “Discussion Board 6.1”
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he drafting of the United States Constitution brought together influential figures like George Washington, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton. Their shared vision was to create a stable and fair government with a system of checks and balances to prevent any single entity from holding excessive power. Despite being composed of the wealthy elite, the framers aimed to lay the foundation for a democratic system that would benefit all citizens. However, the constitutional process did not fully represent the common working class, leading to a lack of inclusion for farmers, laborers, and individuals with minimal property. Nevertheless, the Constitution embodies the aspirations of a nation striving for fairness, equality, and representation for all.
The class structure in early United States society was very different from today. Early America had strict class distinctions due to slavery and exclusion from economic and social opportunities. Today’s class structure is more flexible, but significant inequalities persist.
In the 18th and early 19th centuries, American society had distinct classes. The upper class consisted of landowners, merchants, and politicians, while the middle class included small farmers, artisans, and shopkeepers. Enslaved Africans and indentured servants were at the bottom.
The end of slavery in 1865 brought change, but its legacy continued to affect the social and economic standing of African Americans. Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation and economic disparity into the 20th century, limiting the ability of African Americans to participate equally in society.
Today’s class structure is influenced by a capitalist economy and categorized by income, education, and job status. The growing middle class includes professionals, managers, and skilled workers. However, income inequality has increased dramatically, creating a significant gap between the rich and the poor.
While racial and ethnic minorities have made progress in civil rights and economic standing, systemic inequalities persist. Issues such as the racial wealth gap and access to education and healthcare show that the effects of past inequalities still shape today’s class structure.
while early American society had strict, legally enforced class boundaries, contemporary America has a more flexible, though still unequal, class structure. Shifts in economic systems, law, and ongoing struggles for equality among marginalized groups mark the differences.
The framers of the U.S. Constitution were concerned that unbridled democracy could lead to “mob rule,” where the majority might disregard the rights and properties of the elite minority. They believed that a representative government could filter and refine the public’s views through a body of elected officials, preferably those from the upper echelons of society who were considered more capable of reasoned judgment.
Hi Joanne,
I think your comment provides a thorough overview of the drafting of the U.S. Constitution and the social class structures of early America compared to today. It effectively highlights the framers’ intentions and the exclusion of the working class. Additionally, it addresses the evolution of class distinctions and the persistent inequalities in contemporary society. The concern of the framers about “mob rule” and their preference for a representative government is well-articulated.
1.based on the arguments in readings 6.1 and 6.2 i noticed that social class haven’t changed as much as we expected . In 1787 times were more excluded and people were only seen of value or “worthy of power” if they had property and due to those times economic inequalities and the exploitation of slaves the right to vote was divided into 2 parts .The low income or working class at the time were described as slaves,servants,men with no property, and even women ; this people with economic disadvantages were taken away the right to vote because they “didn’t have talent of getting rich”. On the other hand the social class that were allowed to participate were the upper class “capitalist” before capitalist even existed .Men who had property were seen like the master minds and the only people who had a right to have a say on the process of writing the constitution .
2.In my opinion times have changed of course due to many equality movements in the past leading to women no longer being excluded or seen as less .In the other hand, society haven’t changed as a whole because we can all agree that upper class or capitalist have a bigger say in the country specially when it comes to politics for example in my opinion the special interest groups have a bigger impact in the united states than voters .
3. Generally ,The people who wrote the constitution were afraid of democracy because they were afraid that the people with lower intellectual economic abilities will have an opinion meaning they no longer could get exploited and manipulated into thinking they’re less .Also Real property holders economy relied on slavery and the only way for them to stay economically stable was to manipulate and explode the “working class or lower income “ meaning those people with economic disadvantages like slaves,women,men with no property , and etc..
1. Based on the arguments presented in Readings 6.1 and 6.2, the Constitution was primarily written by the wealthy, property-owning class. This included large landowners, merchants, and bankers who had significant economic interests and influence over political and economic life. M. Parenti, in “Class Power in Early America,” highlights that only property-owning white males could vote, which was a small percentage of the total adult population. Charles Beard, in “Economic Interpretation of the US Constitution,” supports this by arguing that the Constitution was structured to financially benefit the Founding Fathers, who were part of this elite class. On the other hand, the disenfranchised class, which included those without property, women, enslaved people, and others who lacked material wealth, were excluded from the process. Their economic interests were not represented in the drafting of the Constitution.
2. When comparing the social class structure of early United States society to today, there are both similarities and differences. In the early United States, the social class structure was rigid, with clear distinctions between the wealthy elite and the disenfranchised masses. The elite had significant control over political and economic decisions. Today, while there are still economic disparities, the class structure is more fluid, with greater opportunities for social mobility. However, significant inequalities persist, and the wealthy often have more influence in politics, similar to the early United States.
3. The people who wrote the Constitution were afraid of democracy because they associated it with mob rule and the potential for the majority to infringe on the rights of the minority, particularly the wealthy elite. Parenti discusses how the framers designed the Constitution to protect their class’s power and prevent the majority from having too much influence. Beard also emphasizes that the economic interests of the elite were a driving force behind the structure of the Constitution. The framers believed that a direct democracy could lead to instability and threaten their economic interests.
1. Based on the arguments presented in Readings 6.1 and 6.2, the social class that wrote the Constitution was the upper class. Maybe even some of the upper middle class had a say but definitely not lower class or those who were very poor. Those who were not educated were not included. Women were not included. Those who were enslaved were not included. Along with Native Americans. They were not included to participate in the process. This gave those who were wealthy and educated a very big unfair advantage.
2. I believe that the social class structure compared to the how it was in the early United States society has changed but still needs improvement. There isn’t as much division when it comes to who has a say. Although it isn’t perfect, it’s a lot better than what it used to be. There’s still a very nig problem when it comes to lower and underclass. The poverty and homelessness are something that isn’t cared about nearly enough.
3. In my opinion, a big reason why those who wrote the constitution were so afraid of democracy was due to power. The framers wanted to create a balanced government where there wouldn’t be an imbalance of too much power. I believe they also did not have a lot of experience with democracy so that was concerning to them. Landowners also did not want their properties to be threatened.