Omar Bennett
The ratification of the Constitution has been a long-debated topic. On the one hand, some argue that the Constitution should be ratified to uphold the dignity of the nation and pay off debts through taxation. Additionally, the Constitution includes a bill of rights, separation of powers, and checks and balances, which are considered essential for maintaining a strong state government. However, others oppose ratification due to concerns about potential issues, such as control, favouring the wealthy, and a lack of rights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Raise money to pay off debts | Taxes |
| Protect the nation | Support the dignity of the union |
| Pay the country's debts | Provide for the national safety |
| Pay, feed, and provide shelter for soldiers | Money from taxes |
| Checks and balances | Separation of powers |
| Bill of rights | Ten amendments about citizens' rights |
| Avoid issues experienced under the British parliament | Keep a strong state government |
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What You'll Learn
The Bill of Rights
The inclusion of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution is a strong argument in favour of ratification. It demonstrates a commitment to protecting citizens' rights and ensuring a fair and just society. By ratifying the Constitution, we can be confident that our rights will be upheld and that the government will be held accountable to the people.
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Separation of power
The separation of powers is a key reason why the Constitution should be ratified. The Constitution includes a bill of rights, which outlines the rights of citizens, and a checks and balances system to ensure that no one branch of government becomes more powerful than the others.
The three branches of government are the executive, legislative and judicial. The checks and balances system was put in place to ensure that these branches work together and that no one branch has too much control. This is important because it prevents issues such as a government that is completely out of control, or one that favours the wealthy.
The Constitution also allows the federal government to raise money through taxes to pay off debts and support the nation. As delegate James Wilson said, it is the federal government's job to "provide for the national safety, to support the dignity of the union, and to pay the country's debts". This money is needed to pay, feed and provide shelter for soldiers, which is essential for protecting the nation.
The separation of powers and checks and balances system built into the Constitution are therefore strong reasons why it should be ratified.
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Checks and balances
One reason to ratify the Constitution is that with it, the federal government could raise the money needed through taxes to pay off debts. According to a speech given by delegate James Wilson, it is the federal government's job to 'provide for the national safety, to support the dignity of the union, and to pay the country's debts'. To protect the nation, the government needs to pay, feed and provide shelter for all of its soldiers. To do that, it needs money, which it gets from taxes.
However, some argue that the Constitution should not be ratified due to serious problems and issues that could arise. The Articles of Confederation should be kept to keep a strong state government. Issues like being under complete control, favouring the wealthy, and having no rights should be corrected.
The bill of rights is another reason why the Constitution should be ratified. The bill of rights is made up of ten amendments about the rights of citizens.
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Paying off debts
However, there are also arguments against ratifying the Constitution. Some believe that the Articles of Confederation should be kept to maintain a strong state government. Issues such as a lack of control, favouring the wealthy, and a lack of rights should be addressed before the Constitution is ratified.
The Constitution includes a bill of rights, which outlines the rights of citizens. This is another reason why it should be ratified. The bill of rights includes ten amendments that protect the rights of citizens.
Additionally, the Constitution includes a system of checks and balances, which ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful. This system helps to maintain a balance of power and prevent any one branch from dominating the others.
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Issues with the British parliament
The British parliament has a history of issues and problems, including a lack of control, favouring the wealthy, and denying rights. These are serious concerns that should not be overlooked. The Second Continental Congress recognised the need for change and on July 3rd, 1776, they unanimously declared the independence of the thirteen United States of America from Great Britain. This was a significant step towards addressing the issues with the British parliament and establishing a stronger state government.
One of the main issues with the British parliament is the lack of control experienced by the colonies. Under the British rule, the colonies had little say in how they were governed and were subject to the decisions made by the parliament in Britain. This lack of control led to feelings of powerlessness and frustration among the colonists, who felt that their needs and interests were not being adequately represented.
Another issue is the favouritism shown towards the wealthy. The British parliament tended to favour the interests of the wealthy and privileged, often at the expense of the common people. This created a sense of inequality and injustice, as the needs and concerns of the majority were overlooked in favour of a select few.
Additionally, the British parliament has been criticised for denying rights to the colonists. Under their rule, the colonists did not have the same rights and freedoms that they believed they deserved. This included the right to self-governance, the right to representation, and the right to participate in the political process. The British parliament's denial of these rights was a significant source of discontent and frustration for the colonists.
The issues with the British parliament have had far-reaching consequences and have contributed to the desire for change and independence. By addressing these issues and establishing a new form of government, the colonies hoped to create a stronger, more equitable, and responsive system that better served the needs and interests of the people.
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Frequently asked questions
The constitution should be ratified because it includes a bill of rights, separation of power, and checks and balances. It also includes the promise that the government will pay off the nation's debts, which will help maintain the dignity of the union.
The constitution should not be ratified because of the serious problems and issues that could arise. The Articles of Confederation should be kept to keep a strong state government.
Checks and balances were put in place to ensure that no one branch of government would be more powerful than the others.
James Wilson said that it is the federal government's job to protect the nation, support the dignity of the union, and pay off the nation's debts. He also said that the government should be able to tax people directly to raise the money needed to do this.
