- According to readings 6.1 & 6.2, drafters of the constitution were described as wealthy and powerful. Social classes not allowed to participate in the drafting of the constitution or any politics for that matter were women, slaves, indentured servants and men who lacked ownership of real property. This dichotomy of social classes included, during these times, wealthy land-owning white men and then the landless working-class debtors and slaves. Ultimately, the wealthy land owners sought to shut out any political say-so on the working class’ end. The wealthy only set out to use the working-class for their labor.
2. There are similarities is social class structure when comparing early U.S. to day. It’s the same in that money and land ownership are still powerful resources today. Individuals and groups with more resources including money are readily able to garner support from politicians. A few differences include people outside of the wealth communities being included in the voting process. As far as wealth opportunities and earning wages there is more consideration for the working class.
3. The wealthy did not desire a government partially controlled by the non-wealthy working people. They were afraid those people were not wise enough, due to their economic status to determine what they need from government. After all the constitution was created to help the wealthy to stay wealthy. Why would the poor working classes be given a seat at the table? I think the wealthy just desired full control of over the government and they feared letting in the working class people would greatly disrupt that by them voicing their own personal concerns that the wealthy did not care about in the first place.
