Michael Parenti in “Class Power in Early America” and Charles Beard in “An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution” both suggest that the U.S. Constitution was mainly created by the wealthy elite of the nation. They explain that the people who wrote the Constitution were rich property owners, like lawyers, merchants, and plantation owners, who had a lot of economic power. This power allowed them to have a strong say in politics, and they made sure the Constitution protected their financial interests and kept them in control of society. On the other hand, many groups, especially those without property, were left out of the process. This included small farmers, laborers, and particularly marginalized groups like enslaved individuals, women, and Native Americans. Because they lacked money and political influence, these groups were not only shut out from participating in the creation of the Constitution but also ended up with a political system that favored the wealthy elite. Overall, both authors highlight a significant divide in society: the Constitution was made by the rich for the rich, while ignoring the needs and rights of the majority.

The class system in early American society was quite different from what we see today, even though some inequalities still exist. In the early United States, a small group of wealthy landowners, merchants, and professionals held most of the power. This elite class created rules that mainly benefited themselves and kept others from having a say in politics. Many groups, including women, enslaved individuals, Native Americans, and white men without property, were mostly left out of political and economic life. The economy back then was mainly based on farming, and owning land was the main way to show wealth and status. In contrast, today’s United States has made significant strides in political rights. Now, everyone can vote regardless of their property, race, or gender, even though economic inequality still exists. The economy has also become much more complicated, with a mix of wealthy individuals, a large middle class, and various working-class groups. Power dynamics have shifted to include global companies and technology, which is a big change from the farming focus of early America. While there are still challenges with social and economic inequality, modern laws and institutions offer more chances for people to move up in society and participate in government, which is a big difference from the strict and exclusive systems of the past.

The creators of the Constitution were cautious about direct democracy because they worried that it could lead to chaos and threaten their wealth and property. One major reason for their concerns was the protection of their economic interests. Many of them were rich landowners and businesspeople who relied on stable property rights and a certain social order. They feared that if the majority had too much power, they might push for changes that could take away their wealth. Additionally, they were influenced by historical events where popular uprisings turned violent, leading them to believe that unchecked democracy could result in mob rule. They thought that the emotions of the crowd could lead to disorder or even tyranny. Furthermore, many of the framers doubted that the average person had the knowledge or education to make wise decisions for the country’s future. They believed that a representative system would help filter out hasty or unwise choices. To address these concerns, they created a system of checks and balances to ensure that no single group could control the government, thus maintaining the existing economic and social order. Scholars like Michael Parenti and Charles Beard argue that these fears were crucial in shaping the framers’ views, showing that the Constitution was designed to prioritize the interests of the wealthy while limiting the influence of the general public in government decisions.