conflict and compromise and the constitution the founding document
TRANSCRIPT
CONFLICT AND COMPROMISE
and the Constitution
The Founding Document
The Power of Impeachment
Deciding Power
The Patriot Act
Checks and Balances
Why Did We Need a Constitution?
Why Did We Need a Constitution?
Political Ideals of the Framers
Human Nature and Its Implications for Democracy
• The framer’s viewed human nature as acting in their self interest
• One of the challenges government faces is dealing with various factions that work towards self-serving goals rather than broader community interests.
Economic Interests and the Founders
Origins of Our Constitution: Compromise at the Convention
• Majority rule vs. minority rights
• Large states vs. small states
• Legislative vs. executive power
• National vs. state and local power
• Slave states vs. nonslave states
Majority Rule vs. Minority Rights
Small States vs. Large States
• Virginia Plan (favoring large states) vs.
• New Jersey Plan (favoring small states)
• Great Comprise
Legislative vs. Executive Power
• How much power should the President have relative to the legislative branch?
Federal vs. State Power
Slave States vs. Non-Slave States
Slave States vs. Non-Slave States (Cont.)
Ratification
Exclusive Powers (by Branch)
• While the Constitution has its flaws (slavery, undemocratic elections of senators, and the president), its principles of separation of powers and checks and balances have lasted for over 220 years. So, what does the Constitution say?
The Constitution: A Framework for Government
Is the Constitution a “Living Document”?
Amendments Introduced in Congress That Did Not Pass
Amendments Introduced in Congress That Did Not Pass (cont’d)
Turning a Blind Eye
• Irrelevant parts are ignored in modern America.
Ambiguity
Multiple Interpreters
Amending the Constitution
Public Opinion Poll
Do you believe the U.S. Constitution written at the Philadelphia Convention of 1787 was driven more by noble principles or political self-interests?
a) Driven primarily by noble principles
b) Driven primarily by political self-interests
c) A mix of noble principles and political self-interests
Public Opinion Poll
How would you characterize a contemporary group of political leaders who declare their independence and call for an armed revolution in response to their dissatisfaction with government taxes and representation?
a) Patriotsb) Terroristsc) Neither
Public Opinion Poll
Do you believe the U.S. Constitution with its included amendments would be ratified by a majority of Americans if put forward as a referendum during the next election?
a) Yes
b) No
Public Opinion Poll
Considering the current number of amendments to the U.S. Constitution, the number of amendments that have failed, and the stability of our Constitution, do you believe the process for amending the U.S. Constitution is too difficult, about right, or too easy?
a) Too difficult
b) About right
c) Too easy
Public Opinion Poll
How do you believe the Founding Fathers would view the contemporary U.S. government?
a) Strongly approveb) Approve, but with some concernsc) Disapproved) Strongly disapprove
Chapter 2: The Constitution and the Founding
• Practice quizzes
• Flashcards
• Outlines
wwnorton.com/studyspace
Following this slide, you will find additional slides with photos, figures, and captions from the textbook.
Conflicts Around The Constitution
The U.S. Constitution as a Model for Other Nations