"A People's History"

In this reading, the idea of the Founding Fathers of the Constitution being relatively wealthy is discussed. Beard argues that these men had some direct economic interest in establishing a strong federal government. He notes that four groups (slaves, indentured servants, women, and men without property) were not represented in the Constitution. What do you think this could mean? Beard also explained that he didn’t think the Founding Fathers didn’t base the Constitution on benefitting themselves, but rather to benefit the groups they belonged to. What is your personal view on this?

Before I read this Chapter assigned, I didn’t quite think about this side of the Constitution. I honestly just thought it was just a “framework for democracy and equality” as George Bancroft did. But as I read this reading, I thought about it more. With these ideas presented to me about the Constitution dividing the society into rich and poor, my opinion of the Constitution has changed.

The Constitution does allow the people to influence but only the richer have to resources to reach out. The ones with land, money, newspapers, and education have the resources to reach out and have a say. So what do you think? Do you think the government has an interest in the distribution of power and wealth? Do you think that the Constitution is a document that establishes a society or a document that certain groups are trying to maintain their privileges, while giving just enough rights to enough of the people to ensure popular support? There are many questions and different opinions about the Constitution