- The readings suggest that social class divisions in 1787 mirrored today’s, with power
reserved for wealthy property owners. Lower-income groups, including slaves, servants,
and women, were excluded from voting and political participation. Scholars like M.
Parenti and Charles Beard argue that the Constitution was crafted to benefit the elite, as
only property-owning white males had the right to vote, leaving the interests of the
majority unrepresented. - Equality movements have led to progress, particularly in improving the status of women
and other marginalized groups. However, the wealthy elite still maintain considerable
political power. While today’s society offers more social mobility compared to the rigid
class structure of early U.S. history, economic disparities persist. Special interest groups
often have more influence than the average voter, highlighting how the upper class
continues to shape political outcomes. Despite changes, the core issue of unequal power
distribution between the wealthy and the broader population remains a significant feature
of modern society, much like it was in the past. - The framers of the Constitution harbored a deep-seated fear of democracy, viewing it as a
potential pathway to mob rule that could undermine the rights of the minority, especially
the wealthy elite. They were concerned that individuals from lower economic
backgrounds and with limited intellectual capacities could assert their opinions, making it
harder for the elite to exploit and manipulate them. According to Parenti, the Constitution
was crafted to safeguard the power of the affluent class, ensuring that the majority did not
wield excessive influence. Beard further emphasizes that the economic interests of this
elite group heavily influenced the Constitution’s design, as the framers worried that direct
democracy could create instability and threaten their financial stability.
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