Creating a Constitution

Summary

In this video, Dan Harris explores the creation of the U.S. Constitution at the National Constitution Center. He discusses the challenges faced by the founding fathers in establishing a new form of government, the compromises made, and the significance of the Constitution. Harris emphasizes the human nature of the framers, their fears, and the remarkable outcome of their work, which has shaped the United States for centuries.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The founding fathers viewed the creation of the U.S. Constitution as an experiment in starting a new type of government, which was unprecedented at the time.
• ⚖️ The Constitution aimed to create a government not ruled by individuals but by institutions that would manage conflict through a system of checks and balances.
• 🌟 The founding fathers were not infallible; they were ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges, and their humanity is what makes their achievement remarkable.
• 📜 The Constitution was written during a crisis, reflecting the urgency to establish a stable government to prevent the country from failing.
• 🔒 The Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, was deemed a failure due to its inability to create a unified nation and effectively govern.
• 🤝 The Constitutional Convention was initially called to amend the Articles of Confederation, but it ultimately led to the creation of an entirely new constitution.
• 🗣️ The debate over representation in Congress was a critical point, leading to the Great Compromise which established a bicameral legislature with proportional and equal state representation.
• 🔢 The Three-Fifths Compromise was a significant, though morally complex, concession made to secure the Constitution's passage, reflecting the practical and political realities of the time.
• 🏆 The Constitution did not initially include a Bill of Rights, which was added later to address concerns about individual liberties and to secure ratification.
• 🛠️ The framers intentionally designed the Constitution to be amendable, acknowledging its imperfections and the need for future adjustments to adapt to a changing nation.

Q & A

What was the primary concern of the founding fathers when drafting the Constitution?

The founding fathers were primarily concerned with creating a government that could manage conflict, prevent the concentration of power, and ensure that the people would accept the outcomes of the government's decisions.

Why did the founding fathers believe that a government run by the people was a risky experiment?

They believed it was risky because history had shown that people are messy, have their own interests, and tend to disagree, leading to conflicts. Traditionally, rulers or kings used armies to control the people, but the founding fathers wanted a constitution that allowed for conflict and resolution through institutions.

How did the founding fathers view the concept of a government run by the people?

The founding fathers viewed a government run by the people as an old idea that had never quite worked. They believed that it was essential to create institutions that would allow for conflict to occur and be dealt with, and that people would accept the outcomes.

What was the significance of George Washington's presence at the Constitutional Convention?

George Washington's presence was significant because he was a trusted figure who had demonstrated his commitment to the country by laying down power after the Revolutionary War. His leadership was crucial in uniting the delegates and ensuring the success of the convention.

Why did the framers of the Constitution decide to meet in secret during the Constitutional Convention?

The framers decided to meet in secret to allow for open and candid debate without external pressures or influence. They took a vow of secrecy to ensure that they could discuss freely and make decisions in the best interest of the country.

What was the main issue that led to the failure of the Articles of Confederation?

The main issue was that the Articles of Confederation did not bind the states together into one nation effectively. They failed to provide a strong central government, lacked power to tax, and could not protect the nation or its citizens effectively.

What was the compromise made regarding the structure of Congress known as?

The compromise made regarding the structure of Congress was known as the Great Compromise or Connecticut Compromise, which led to the creation of a bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives based on population and a Senate with equal representation for each state.

What was the 'three-fifths compromise' and why was it included in the Constitution?

The 'three-fifths compromise' was an agreement where enslaved individuals would be counted as three-fifths of a person for purposes of taxation and representation in the House of Representatives. It was included to balance the political power between the northern and southern states, as it gave the southern states a higher population count without granting full representation to enslaved people.

Why didn't the original Constitution include a Bill of Rights?

The original Constitution did not include a Bill of Rights because the framers believed that every state already had its own bill of rights, and they did not want to prolong the convention with debates over what should be included in a federal Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights was added later as the first ten amendments to the Constitution.

How did the founding fathers view the potential longevity of the Constitution they created?

The founding fathers did not expect the Constitution to be perfect or to last indefinitely. They viewed it as a framework that could be amended and changed as needed, which is why they included Article 5 to allow for amendments.