Constitution Framers: What's The Real Truth?

The framers of the US Constitution were delegates who gathered in Philadelphia in 1787 to revise the existing form of government and address the specific challenges facing the nation at the time. The framers were visionaries who designed the Constitution to endure, establishing foundational principles that would sustain and guide the new nation into an uncertain future. They debated and compromised on various issues, such as congressional representation, the structure and powers of Congress, and the role of the judiciary. The framers also considered how to limit the influence of populism and majority rule, leading to the establishment of the Electoral College for presidential elections. The resulting Constitution has become one of the longest-lived and most emulated constitutions in the world.

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The framers were visionaries

The framers of the American Constitution were visionaries. They designed a constitution that would endure and sought to establish foundational principles that would sustain and guide the new nation into an uncertain future. The text of the Constitution reflects this vision, defining fundamental freedoms in general terms, such as freedom of speech, due process of law, free exercise of religion, equal protection of the laws, and protection from cruel and unusual punishment. The Constitution also sets forth governmental powers, outlining the roles of Congress, the president, and the courts.

The framers understood that they were entrusting future generations with the responsibility to interpret and apply these broad principles in an ever-changing society. They recognised that the meaning of certain provisions, such as "freedom of speech" or "due process of law," would be open to interpretation and evolution over time. This reflects a forward-thinking approach, acknowledging that societal changes would require adaptations in constitutional interpretation.

The framers were influenced by the British system of government and the state constitutions, as well as the writings of 17th-century English philosopher John Locke, who advocated for the protection of natural rights, separation of governmental powers, and individuals' consent to being governed. They established a bicameral legislature, with a House and a Senate, to ensure a contemplative law-making process that was not based solely on passionate public opinion, thus preventing majority rule.

The framers also addressed populism and sought to limit the direct influence of the public on certain aspects of governance. They established an Electoral College system, where the president was selected by a body of electors rather than by individual voters. Additionally, they ensured the independence of the judiciary, establishing a nationwide system of courts to protect the interests of the federal government and interpret the Constitution.

The framers' vision extended beyond their own lifetimes, and they designed a constitution that could be adapted and interpreted by future generations to meet the changing needs of the nation. Their work laid the foundation for a nation based on principles of liberty, justice, and the protection of fundamental rights.

They wanted to address challenges and establish foundational principles

The Framers of the American Constitution were visionaries who sought to address the challenges facing the nation during their lifetimes and establish foundational principles to guide the new nation into the future. They were brilliant and virtuous men who designed the Constitution to endure. The text of the Constitution reflects this vision, defining fundamental freedoms and governmental powers in general terms, such as "freedom of speech," "due process of law," and Congress's power to regulate "commerce among the several states."

The Framers wanted to establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty for themselves and their posterity. They aimed to create a more perfect union and address the problems of a weak central government under the Articles of Confederation. The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 resulted in a federal government with more specific powers, including conducting foreign relations. The Framers established the structure and powers of Congress, including the requirements for becoming a member of the House and Senate.

The Framers considered how to shield the judiciary from populist influence and insulate the federal government from political accountability. They established a nationwide system of courts, including a U.S. Supreme Court, to protect the interests of the federal government. Federal judges were given tenure and protection from salary diminution to safeguard their political independence. The Framers also envisioned a weak presidency and a strong legislature, with the Senate handling important issues and the Executive attending to less consequential matters.

The interpretation and application of the Constitution's principles have evolved as society has changed, with landmark Supreme Court decisions ending racial segregation, recognizing "one person, one vote," and protecting various other rights. However, the original meaning of certain provisions remains debated, and some argue for improving the Constitution to better serve modern needs. The Framers' Constitution remains a guiding document, reflecting their desire to address challenges and establish enduring principles.

The framers recognised the need for a powerful central government

The framers of the US Constitution recognized the need for a powerful central government. They sought to address the specific challenges facing the nation during their lifetimes and establish foundational principles that would sustain and guide the new nation into an uncertain future. The Constitution reflects this vision, defining fundamental freedoms and governmental powers in general terms.

The framers intended to create a government that was more powerful than the one that came before it, while still protecting the people's liberties. They divided power at the national level into three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This separation of powers was designed to control government power and prevent abuses. The framers also established federalism, dividing power between the national government and the states.

The framers of the Constitution were influenced by British and state precedents. They established requirements for becoming a member of the House and Senate, setting age, citizenship, and inhabitancy qualifications. The framers debated the structure and powers of Congress, ultimately deciding on a two-house system with one house being more democratic and the other being smaller, more deliberative, and independent.

The framers recognized that majority rule, while the best system of government, was imperfect. They understood that political majorities may enact laws that entrench their power and that fundamental freedoms and minority rights may be sacrificed in times of crisis. The framers intended for courts to play a central role in addressing these concerns and protecting individual rights. They envisioned a system where the judiciary could exercise a "legal check" on political majorities.

Overall, the framers of the Constitution sought to create a powerful central government that could effectively address the nation's challenges while also protecting individual liberties and minority rights through a system of checks and balances.

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They wanted to limit the political influence of the voting public

The framers of the US Constitution were brilliant men who were visionaries and wanted to establish foundational principles that would sustain and guide the new nation into an uncertain future. However, they were troubled by the relative political influence of the voting public, particularly through their control over state governments. They believed that state governments were too responsive to public opinion through direct elections, annual elections, small legislative districts, and weak executives without veto power.

To counter this popular influence in the national government, James Madison of Virginia proposed a two-house system. One house would be the "grand depository of the democratic principle of government". The other would be small, deliberative, and independent from the larger, more democratic house. This became the Senate. The framers hoped that staggered elections would bring stability to the Senate and, in turn, to other branches of the new government. Class rotations would bring about gradual change, they argued, and prevent senators from permanently combining for "sinister purposes" while encouraging senators to deliberate measures over time.

The framers also considered how to shield the judiciary from populist influence. While the Articles of Confederation provided for no federal courts, the Constitution authorized a nationwide system of courts to protect the interests of the federal government, particularly with regard to taxation and the enforcement of federal treaties. To safeguard their political independence, federal judges were vested with tenure "during good behavior" and protection from salary diminution.

The framers addressed populism in another way: they ensured that the president was selected not by individual voters but rather by a body of electors selected by the states. They also established requirements that individuals had to meet in order to become a member of the House and Senate, setting age, citizenship, and inhabitancy qualifications for senators.

The framers wanted to protect the interests of the federal government

The framers of the American Constitution were visionaries who designed the Constitution to endure and to establish the foundational principles that would sustain and guide the new nation into an uncertain future. The Constitution defines fundamental freedoms in general terms, such as freedom of speech, due process of law, free exercise of religion, equal protection of the laws, and protection from cruel and unusual punishment. It also sets forth governmental powers, outlining the roles of Congress, the president, and the courts.

The framers also recognised that political majorities may be tempted to enact laws that entrench their own authority and that governing majorities may disregard the needs and interests of minorities. To address these concerns, they intended for the courts to play a central role. They believed that independent tribunals of justice would act as guardians of the rights enshrined in the Constitution. This idea is reflected in the statements of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton, who all emphasised the importance of the judiciary in preserving constitutional protections and limiting the power of political majorities.

The framers also wanted to protect the interests of the federal government by establishing certain requirements for individuals to become members of the House and Senate. They set age, citizenship, and inhabitancy qualifications, voting against proposed religion and property requirements. They believed that members of the Senate should be older and more experienced, hence the higher age requirement compared to the House.

Additionally, the framers based the three-class system of the Senate on precedents established by state governments. They debated the characteristics of the Senate, including the basis of representation, the number of senators per state, qualifications, terms of service, and powers. The framers looked to precedents in the British system of government and state constitutions when establishing the plan for the new government, including the Senate.

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