Ap u.s. government & politics Friday, September 1, 2017

5 minutes prep time

practice frq #1

Ratification Mini-Simulation Consider the hypothetical scenario in your handout. Think about each of the four questions raised by the structure of the Constitution and the powers that it gives to the national government. Discuss the questions in your group, and jot down notes on the Pro- and Anti- arguments that are made in relation to each question. Individually, decide whether you would have been a supporter or opponent of ratification.

1) Does the Constitution give too much power to the national government? The debate over the powers of the national government revolves around three specific grants of power contained in the Constitution:  -The power to tax -The exclusive power to regulate interstate and foreign commerce -The necessary and proper clause (implied powers)   Will these powers lead to the domination of the states by the Central Government? Do they concentrate power too much in one place, and will this concentration eventually lead to a return to tyranny?

2) Does the Constitution sufficiently protect the interest of small states? Like Delaware and Rhode Island, New Paul will elect only one member to the House of Representatives. (By comparison, Virginia will have ten representatives; Massachusetts and Pennsylvania will have eight each.) The large states will also have more votes in the Electoral College for President.   Does equal representation in the Senate balance out the large states’ advantages, or will New Paul and the other small states be dominated by Virginia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New York?

3) Does the Constitution give too much protection to the interests of Southern slave owners? The vast majority of the people of New Paul find slavery to be a cruel and immoral institution. Many recognize, however, that if the various American states are to join together as one nation, some concessions must be made to the leaders of the Southern states. The Constitution contains several protections for slave owners, including the 3/5 provision, protection of the slave trade for 20 years, and the fugitive slave clause.   Do these concessions give too much to the Southerners, or does the goal of creating a unified nation justify these provisions?

4) Does the absence of a Bill of Rights mean that individual rights will not be protected? Like most state constitutions, the Constitution of New Paul contains a Bill of Rights, listing those fundamental rights and liberties that are designated as off limits to government infringement. Supporters of the Constitution have suggested that a Bill of Rights will likely be enacted by the First Congress, but there is nothing in the document that compels such an action. Should New Paul submit to the supremacy of the national government before the rights that are protected from that government’s power are explicitly listed?

New Paul Ratification Convention Today: Table Discussions Convene the Convention Opening Speeches Homework: Decide which of the 4 questions/issues regarding the Constitution you consider to be the “deal-maker” or “deal-breaker” Write a 2-minute speech in which you explain your answer to that question, and why that answer leads you to support or oppose ratification Tuesday: Extended speeches Vote of the Convention Final reading from The Quartet