1. 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 U.S. Constitution was written by the elite landowning class, primarily wealthy white men who were property owners, merchants, bankers, and slaveholders. These individuals, often referred to as the Founding Fathers, had significant economic and political power. They were influenced by Enlightenment ideas but were also concerned with maintaining their privileged status. Some notable figures from this class include James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington—all of whom were well-educated and came from prosperous backgrounds. In contrast, the working-class, poor farmers, enslaved people, women, and Indigenous peoples were completely excluded from the process. These groups had little to no political voice and were not allowed to participate in shaping the new government. For example, Shays’ Rebellion (1786-1787)—an armed uprising by debt-ridden farmers in Massachusetts—highlighted the growing tensions between the wealthy elite and the struggling lower classes. The rebellion was a direct response to heavy taxation and economic hardships, and it terrified the ruling class, reinforcing their fear of too much democratic influence from the lower classes.
  2. 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 U.S. society was similar to today in the sense that economic inequality played a major role in determining political power. The wealthiest individuals had the most influence, while the working class and marginalized groups had little say in government decisions. However, there are differences as well—today, voting rights are more inclusive, and legal protections exist for marginalized groups, though economic disparities and political influence of the wealthy remain significant.
  3. 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 Founders were afraid of democracy because they feared that if power were placed in the hands of the common people, they would challenge elite interests. Many of the Founders were influenced by the idea that pure democracy could lead to “mob rule” and threaten private property. James Madison, for instance, warned in Federalist No. 10 that factions (especially those of the poor majority) could unite to redistribute wealth or pass laws unfavorable to the wealthy class. As a result, they created a government structure—including the Electoral College and the Senate—that would limit direct democratic influence and ensure that decision-making remained largely in the hands of the elite.

Leave a Reply