1.Based on the readings, the Constitution was mainly written by wealthy property owners—large landowners, merchants, creditors, and slaveholders. Many of them had direct economic interests in land, trade, public debt, and slavery. For example, creditors wanted a strong national government to make sure debts were paid, and slaveholders wanted protection for slavery and social order. Other way, poor farmers, laborers, women, enslaved people, Native Americans, and white men without property were excluded. Many of them could not vote and had no real representation. Small farmers supported debt relief and paper money, but the Constitution limited those policies. This clearly shows that the wealthy class had power, while the lower class did not.

2.It was very different in terms of political rights. In 1787, voting depended on property ownership, and many groups were excluded. Today, legally, everyone has the right to vote regardless of property, race, or gender. However, I think there is still a similarity. Wealth still influences politics. Rich individuals and corporations have more political power than ordinary people. So even though the system is more democratic today, economic inequality still affects political power.

3.They were afraid of democracy because they feared the majority—especially poor and propertyless people—would threaten their wealth. Many ordinary people were in debt, and events like Shays’ Rebellion showed that they were willing to challenge creditors. From a class perspective, the wealthy minority wanted to protect property and social order. That is why the Constitution created limits on direct democracy, such as the Electoral College and indirect elections. In my opinion, they did not completely reject democracy, but they wanted to control it.