To ratify, or not to ratify, That is the question!

Constitution defends Republican principles!

Reason 1 Supportive Quote 1: “The accumulation of all powers legislative, executive and judiciary in the same hands… may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.” - James Madison

Reason 1 Separation of powers – 3 branches Break up responsibilities to prevent tyranny Leg. (Congress) – make laws Exec. (Pres.) – enforce laws Jud. (S. Court) – interprets laws Supportive Quote 1: “The accumulation of all powers legislative, executive and judiciary in the same hands… may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.” - James Madison

Reason 2 Supportive Quote 2: “The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge or determine right. Give therefore to the first class [rich and well born] a distinct, permanent share in the government. They will check the unsteadiness of the second [common people]; and as they cannot receive any advance by a change, they therefore will ever maintain good government.” - Alexander Hamilton

Reason 2 Indirect elections Rule by an educated elite Senate elected by state law makers Pres. elected by electoral college S. court nominated by president / approved by Senate Supportive Quote 2: “The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge or determine right. Give therefore to the first class [rich and well born] a distinct, permanent share in the government. They will check the unsteadiness of the second [common people]; and as they cannot receive any advance by a change, they therefore will ever maintain good government.” - Alexander Hamilton

Reason 3 Supportive Quote 3: “In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place, oblige it to control itself.” - James Madison

Reason 3 Checks & Balances Each branch = power to limit other 2 Leg. Impeaches Pres. & S. court Pres. Vetoes laws & nominates S. Court S. Court declares laws & acts unconstitutional Supportive Quote 3: “In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place, oblige it to control itself.” - James Madison

Thesis: Constitution defends Republican principles!

Constitution was a betrayal of the Revolution!

Reason 1 Supportive Quote 1: “A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth… and what not just government should refuse, or rest on inferences.” - Thomas Jefferson

Reason 1 Fear of tyranny No Bill of Rights (laws to protect natural rights) Congress could quarter soldiers President could deny freedom of speech Courts could deprive trial by jury Supportive Quote 1: “A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth… and what not just government should refuse, or rest on inferences.” - Thomas Jefferson

Reason 2 Supportive Quote 2: "The President-general, who is to be our king after this government is established, is vested with powers exceeding those of the most despotic monarch we know of in modern times. " - Philadelphiensis

Reason 2 Convinced Pres  King Exec branch = 1 person w/ too much power Veto Nominated s. court Commander in chief = in charge of troops Supportive Quote 2: "The President-general, who is to be our king after this government is established, is vested with powers exceeding those of the most despotic monarch we know of in modern times. " - Philadelphiensis

Reason 3 Supportive Quote 3: "But what is meant is, that the legislature of the United States are vested with the great and uncontrollable powers... They may so exercise this power as entirely to annihilate all the State governments, and reduce this country to one single government. " - Brutus

Reason 3 Believe states will lose their autonomy Congress = too much power (“Necessary and Proper” clause) Prefer strong local government VA House of Burgesses MA Town meetings Supportive Quote 3: "But what is meant is, that the legislature of the United States are vested with the great and uncontrollable powers... They may so exercise this power as entirely to annihilate all the State governments, and reduce this country to one single government. " - Brutus

Thesis: Constitution was a betrayal of the Revolution!