How class influenced the U.S constitution

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

The Constitution was largely authored by wealthy merchants, landowners and slave owners jealous of their property rights and anxious to keep the less wealthy from upsetting orderly social relations. They designed this government, as the readings say, to ‘check the “disorder and absurdities” of democracy and stop the poor from rising up’. Property was at the heart of it, too: ‘to secure property’, were the magic words that would support the economic interests of the wealthy.  But this process of constitution craft by smaller ‘elite’ committees excluded wide segments of the population. It excluded most members of society without property, it excluded white males without property, it excluded Native Americans, it excluded enslaved people and indentured servants, and it excluded women. The people crafting the Constitution were excluding the very majority of people who would make up early American society, and who laboured under the economic and political structures designed by the few. Early American society suffered deeply from class-based divisions.  Even though the social orders are fundamentaly simmilar for early American and today, there are differences bethween two times. In both times ownership of the wealth and property was important for social standing and small upper class could to control the development of society. At the same time there are differences betweeen early American and our days.Gathering of Wealth and Authority: Similar to the early days of the United States, the current era sees a small group of people controlling a large portion of the wealth. In both times, this privileged group has a lot of sway over decisions in politics, the economy, and society. For instance, in the 18th century, the rich landowners, traders, and slave owners played a big role in forming the Constitution to safeguard their own interests, much like how today’s big companies and wealthy individuals have a strong impact on political activities through their support for lobbying and donations to campaigns. Exclusion of Outcasts: In both historical periods, there’s a clear divide between those who have access to resources and power and those who don’t. In the early days of the United States, this divide included women, enslaved individuals, Native Americans, and men without property. Although there have been major legal and social progressions since then, deep-rooted inequalities based on race, gender, and social class continue to exist. Outcast groups often face significant obstacles in moving up economically and gaining political representation, though they have more rights and opportunities for involvement than in earlier times. Comparisons: Wider Political Involvement: A key contrast is the broadening of political rights. In the early days of the United States, only white male landowners were allowed to vote or hold public office. Nowadays, the right to vote is available to all citizens, no matter their race, gender, or wealth. However, despite these legal improvements, economic differences still affect the political power of those with less money compared to the affluent. Opportunities for Moving Up: While the gap between social classes remains, the contemporary economy offers more chances for moving up the social ladder than in the 18th century. Back then, a person’s social standing was largely determined by their birth and the wealth they inherited, and chances for moving up were scarce. Today, while it’s still hard for many to improve their economic status due to systemic inequalities, there are more ways for individuals to advance in social class through education, starting their own businesses, or working in industries that are in high demand. In summary, while the fundamental setup of social classes, with a wealthy minority controlling much of the power, remains the same, the current era has seen significant progress in terms of political inclusivity and economic chances. However, deep economic disparities continue to show that some aspects of the early U.S. social class structure are still relevant today.

Gathering of Wealth and Authority: Similar to the early days of the United States, the current era sees a small group of people controlling a large portion of the wealth. In both times, this privileged group has a lot of sway over decisions in politics, the economy, and society. For instance, in the 18th century, the rich landowners, traders, and slave owners played a big role in forming the Constitution to safeguard their own interests, much like how today’s big companies and wealthy individuals have a strong impact on political activities through their support for lobbying and donations to campaigns. Exclusion of Outcasts: In both historical periods, there’s a clear divide between those who have access to resources and power and those who don’t. In the early days of the United States, this divide included women, enslaved individuals, Native Americans, and men without property. Although there have been major legal and social progressions since then, deep-rooted inequalities based on race, gender, and social class continue to exist. Outcast groups often face significant obstacles in moving up economically and gaining political representation, though they have more rights and opportunities for involvement than in earlier times. Comparisons: Wider Political Involvement: A key contrast is the broadening of political rights. In the early days of the United States, only white male landowners were allowed to vote or hold public office. Nowadays, the right to vote is available to all citizens, no matter their race, gender, or wealth. However, despite these legal improvements, economic differences still affect the political power of those with less money compared to the affluent. Opportunities for Moving Up: While the gap between social classes remains, the contemporary economy offers more chances for moving up the social ladder than in the 18th century. Back then, a person’s social standing was largely determined by their birth and the wealth they inherited, and chances for moving up were scarce. Today, while it’s still hard for many to improve their economic status due to systemic inequalities, there are more ways for individuals to advance in social class through education, starting their own businesses, or working in industries that are in high demand. In summary, while the fundamental setup of social classes, with a wealthy minority controlling much of the power, remains the same, the current era has seen significant progress in terms of political inclusivity and economic chances. However, deep economic disparities continue to show that some aspects of the early U.S. social class structure are still relevant today.The creators of the Constitution primarily came from the more affluent, land-rich, and business sectors, and their apprehension towards democracy was mainly driven by worries about safeguarding their social and financial interests. They perceived democracy as a mechanism that might give power to the less privileged groups—such as small farmers, workers, and the majority who were economically disadvantaged—who they thought could use their political clout to redistribute wealth, question property rights, and upset the established social order.

Concerns about Wealth Redistribution:

The wealthier class, who possessed significant wealth, land, and resources, was apprehensive that a fully democratic system could enable the poorer majority to pass laws that might endanger property ownership or redistribute wealth. For instance, they were worried that if the lower classes gained too much sway, they might advocate for higher taxes on the rich or policies that would weaken their economic supremacy. This fear of economic turmoil and the redistribution of wealth was a key reason for their opposition to direct democracy, as the wealthy class aimed to retain control over economic assets.

Preserving Social Stratification:

The affluent framers were also deeply committed to upholding the social stratification that elevated them to the top. They believed that the lower classes were not educated or wise enough to govern effectively. This paternalistic perspective led them to establish a system that curtailed the direct democratic input, like creating a Senate and Electoral College to moderate the decisions made by the general populace. Their goal was to prevent what they viewed as the “disorder” of mob rule or the risk of majoritarian tyranny, where the majority could impose its will without considering the rights of property owners and the elite.

Historical Influences:

The framers drew inspiration from historical events, such as the instability they observed in post-Revolutionary America, particularly Shays’ Rebellion (1786-1787), during which economically struggling farmers rebelled against state governments for tax relief and debt forgiveness. This incident reinforced the fears among the elite that a democratic system allowing broad participation could lead to rebellions and challenges to the social and economic status quo.

In conclusion, the individuals who composed the Constitution were wary of democracy due to their concerns about the empowerment of the lower classes to challenge their wealth, property rights, and social dominance. They believed that democracy posed a threat to the stability of the economic and social systems from which they derived benefits, hence they devised a constitution that limited the direct influence of the people to protect their interests.

1. Based on the reading the ” rich and wellborn” class wrote the constitution. Stated to protect themselves from the poor. Early times the reading states white males can only vote. Excluded were the Native American persons of African descent, women, indentured servants and white males lacking sufficient property. The wealthy would be land owners, bankers etc. The poor class were the opposite and did not have any wealth.
2. The social class structure in early U.S society I would say it’s still similar in Current today society. The capitalist still on top and wealthy and the working class having to work every day to make a living to have that labor power to do it all again everyday.
3. In the reading it states it was the worst of political evils and urged Not to make a document to “please the people” According to Alexander Hamilton the first are the rich and Wellborn and ask for the other people he states the people are turbulent and changing.

1. The founding fathers who wrote the constitution belong the the upper class level in society, you could also name them the “elite” class. They were educated, businessmen, as well as being landowners. The people who werent allowed to participate in the ratification/ writing of the constitution were the African Americans, Free African Americans ( all black people in general), Native Americans, women, and non-landowners.
2. The social class between early Unites states and present day United States was different in the sense of extreme segregation, and the necessary necessities that would put you in the upper level class. The two also has similarities as well, in both present day America and early America , they both used social class as an individual status, African Americans are still primarily at the bottom while wealthy white men are still primarily at an upper level status. Just like early America, to be able to be in an upper class level, education has to be involved (usually), and if you had that particular status you would more than likely be a businessman, or a land owner.
3. the people who wrote the constitution were very afraid of democracy. They didn’t want people following a “mob mentality” meaning they didn’t want popular opinions of society to influence chaos, they didn’t wany to give the people too much power, for example, the June 6th riot at the white house. They were also afraid of “Majority Tyranny”, they felt if a majorities decision of a certain situation would disregard and disinterest the minority group, undermining the rights of others.

1. It is evident from Readings 6.1 and 6.2 that the wealthy, propertied elite drafted the Constitution. These people, who were also known as “real property holders,” made up of merchants, landowners, and people in the shipping, manufacturing, and security industries. They dominated the Constitutional Convention because they stood to gain the most from a government that upheld economic interests and property rights.

On the other hand, the process was closed off to members of the lowest social groups, such as small farmers, laborers, indentured servants, and slaves. These disenfranchised groups were frequently denied fundamental political rights like voting and had no input into the Constitution’s formulation. For instance, Parenti highlights how the lower classes were systematically sidelined and lacked the property or position necessary to take part in the construction of the new government, while Beard contends that the Constitution was created to safeguard the economic interests of the elite. The wealthy ruling class’s power dynamics with the working and lower classes were strengthened by this exclusion, guaranteeing the elite’s continued hold on political and economic power.

2. The social class structure of early U.S. society shares similarities with today’s structure, yet it also differed greatly. Wealth inequality, with an elite class holding a disproportionate amount of political and economic power, is a defining feature of both periods. Small farmers, laborers, and enslaved people had little to no political representation in early America, while wealthy landowners, merchants, and industrialists formed the Constitution to safeguard their interests. In a similar vein, while many members of the working class strive for financial stability, a tiny number of affluent individuals and businesses control a major share of the nation’s wealth and influence government decisions.

However, there are key differences. Women, people of color, and non-property owners were explicitly and legally denied the ability to vote in early America, as political rights were closely linked to property ownership and social status. Even while most people are now legally allowed to vote, economic inequality still limits opportunities for social mobility, and marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by systemic barriers. The class system is still hierarchical, but the legal framework has developed, allowing more individuals to participate in the political process, even while economic power continues to impact political outcomes.

3. The people who wrote the Constitution were afraid of democracy because they feared that giving too much power to the general population, particularly the lower social classes, would jeopardize their social standing and material wealth. The framers were worried that direct democracy could result in “mob rule,” where the majority—made up of poorer farmers, laborers, and the disenfranchised—might vote for laws that would overturn property rights or redistribute wealth. Many of the framers were wealthy landowners, merchants, and businessmen.

They were especially concerned that the lower classes would demand economic changes like debt forgiveness, land redistribution, or increased taxes on the wealthy that may jeopardize the interests of the elite. The framers of the Constitution aimed to safeguard their class interests from what they perceived as the unexpected and potentially disruptive effects of popular power by creating a structure that limited direct participation, such as the Electoral College and the Senate, and ensured checks and balances. Fundamentally, their fear of democracy sprang from their desire to maintain control over the political and economic structures that guaranteed their elite status.

A long term ago, the policies for the way our United States must work, referred to as the Constitution, had been made mainly via way of means of wealthy humans. These blanketed rich farmers, businesspeople, and knowledgeable folks who desired to hold their cash and power. Many different humans, like terrible farmers, workers, and enslaved individuals, didn’t get to assist in making those policies, which suggests that they no longer body had an honest say. Back then, humans had been separated into extraordinary training primarily based on how much cash they had, what they owned, and what kind of they learned. Even today, there are nonetheless widespread variations among rich and working-elegance humans.

The people who created the Constitution were concerned about letting everybody vote without delay because they thought it’d want explanations and problems. They believed that individuals with little training or cash could make choices that would not be desirable for folks who had been more prosperous and knowledgeable. To assist with this, they installed matters like the Electoral College and the Senate, which had been supposed to ensure that the greater prosperous and knowledgeable humans had a massive say in how the United States became run.

1. Which social class wrote the Constitution, and which class was excluded?

The Constitution was mainly written by the wealthy elite of an extremely early American society which had included landowners, merchants, bankers, and other affluent individuals. These men had significant property holdings and economic interests to protect. According to Michael Parenti, the delegates were wealthy, with their goal being to establish a strong central government to protect that wealth through it’s financial interests. Beard also highlights that some large groups were deprived of the ability to vote, including slaves, women, indentured servants, and propertyless men. who were excluded from the political process due to strict voting qualifications. 

2. Was the social class structure of early U.S. society the same as today?

I would personally say that the social class structure of early U.S. society differs at quite a large margin from today’s society. In the 18th century,  power was concentrated in the hands of the wealthy minority, with legal barriers that prevented the majority of the population which included the poor, women, slaves, and non-property owners from participating in the political process. Today, while economic inequality persists, those legal barriers such as property ownership requirements for voting have been abolished, and the political system is more open to participation by all citizens​.

3. Why were the framers of the Constitution afraid of democracy?

The reasoning as to why the framers had feared democracy was because they associated it with the potential for the majority (the propertyless classes) to disrupt the interests that the wealthy minority had. They wanted to stay comfortable and not risk anything happening to their wealth. The framers were concerned about “the leveling impulses” of the majority, which could challenge the existing property distribution. Both Madison and Hamilton expressed concerns that a democratic government would not be able to protect the property rights of the affluent​ individuals in their society. The fear of popular uprisings, such as Shays’ Rebellion, further emphasized the need for a system that would maintain control over the masses​.

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 upper class were the ones who wrote the Constitution. Both readings 6.1 and 6.2 detail greatly upon as “big landowners, merchants and bankers exercised a strong influence over political economic life.” The classes that were excluded and were not allowed to participate in this process were lower class. As stated in Reading 6.1, “All Native Americans, persons of African descent, women, indentured servants and white males lacking sufficient property.” As the upper class are included with individuals with wealth and power and the lower class are included with individuals with less wealth and power, this was very unfair. Throughout the timeline of writing the Constitution, only property owning white males were able to vote. Within reading 6.2, the quote “the government wanted a stronger central power that would resold ve problems among the thirteen states regarding trade and duties, protect. overseas commercial and diplomatic interests, effectively propagate the financial and commercial interests of the affluent class and defend the wealthy from the competing claims of other class within the society.”

Would say that the social class structure of early United States society, was the same as ours today, or different? Explain.

The social class structure of early United States society I would describe is about different from ours today. As prior to years ago, only upper classes and those who were wealthy enough have such great power of authority. In today’s society, we all have an equal amount of power to be able to speak on what we feel. Although many political and economical living has many individuals who are born into or become wealthy, no matter what social class you are in, you have power to become and speak upon what you believe in and for what is right within our society. 

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 people, our Founding Fathers, who wrote the Constitution were so afraid of democracy. In Reading 6.1, George Washington stated “to contain the threat of the people rather than to embrace their participation and their competence.” The founding fathers themselves were wealthy and powerful however, they wanted “to contain the threat of the people rather than embrace their participation and their competence.”