What is the significance of “majority rule” and “minority rights” in the foundations of American Government?
The Articles of Confederation Structure Congress only national government body 1 representative from each state Make war, peace, and treaties Appoint ambassadors Borrow money from states Propose new laws Meanwhile, states retained ALL powers not given to Congress
Weaknesses of Articles of Confederation States receive 1 vote regardless of size Congress could not collect taxes Congress could not regulate interstate trade No national court system 9/13 majority to pass laws Changes to Articles could only be made if ALL states approved Cartoon depicting weaknesses of Articles
End of Revolution and Need for New Government End of Revolution sees end of friendship: States taxed one another’s goods States printed own money States refused to pay war debts States made treaties with foreign governments States raised their own armies States were TOO independent to form a cohesive government Cartoon depicting state tensions
The Constitutional Convention 1786, clear that change is needed Constitutional Convention, 1787 12 states Representatives from 12 states Create stronger central government that doesn’t violate state independence Two plans emerge… Artist representation of Constitutional Convention
Virginia Plan (Big State Proposal) Bicameral Legislature (two houses of law making) Representation based on population Together could overrule executive vetoes Addition of executive branch Would enact laws Appointed by legislature Could veto laws passed by legislature Addition of judicial branch Would settle disputes about laws National laws override state laws
New Jersey Plan (Little State Proposal) Keep unicameral legislature (one legislative body) Each state would have same number of representatives and votes Addition of executive branch Would enact laws Appointed by legislature and removed at request of majority Addition of judicial branch Would settle disputes about laws Appointed by executive Provide central government with more power Tax states to raise money Regulate interstate trade to prevent conflict among states
What is the significance of “majority rule” and “minority rights” in the foundations of American Government?
Compromises Made Connecticut Compromise Bicameral legislature Lower house representation based on pop. Upper house representation same number Elected executive branch with veto power Judicial branch appointed by executive Ability of legislature to remove executive Increase power of central government Three-Fifths Compromise Each slave would be counted as three-fifths of a person Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise Legislature could regulate interstate trade, but could not tax exported goods or make laws against slavery for at least 20 years
Legacy of Compromise Majority Rule vs Minority Rights continues to shape major political issues: Congressional Gridlock Electoral College issues Affirmative action And so many more