Proposed Constitution

Definition

The Proposed Constitution refers to the draft of the U.S. Constitution presented at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, which aimed to replace the Articles of Confederation. It established a stronger national government with a system of checks and balances among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, addressing the weaknesses of the previous governing framework.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Proposed Constitution was introduced on September 17, 1787, and included key features like separation of powers and a bicameral legislature.
2. It faced significant opposition during the ratification process from Anti-Federalists who feared a strong central government would threaten individual freedoms.
3. To secure ratification, Federalists promised to add a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties after the Constitution was adopted.
4. The ratification process required approval from nine out of thirteen states, leading to extensive debates in state conventions across the nation.
5. Delaware was the first state to ratify the Proposed Constitution on December 7, 1787, paving the way for others to follow.

Review Questions

• How did the Proposed Constitution address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
  • The Proposed Constitution created a stronger national government by establishing an executive branch led by a president and a bicameral legislature with the power to tax and regulate commerce. This structure was designed to prevent the issues faced under the Articles of Confederation, where the federal government lacked authority and resources to effectively govern. By providing checks and balances among branches, it also aimed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
• Discuss the role of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists in shaping the ratification process of the Proposed Constitution.
  • The Federalists were strong supporters of the Proposed Constitution who believed that a stronger national government was necessary for maintaining order and unity. They argued for ratification through various means, including publishing 'The Federalist Papers' to explain its principles. Conversely, Anti-Federalists opposed it due to fears that it concentrated too much power in a central government, potentially infringing on individual rights. Their resistance led to promises for a Bill of Rights to ensure personal liberties, which became critical in winning over skeptical states.
• Evaluate how the addition of the Bill of Rights impacted public perception and acceptance of the Proposed Constitution during its ratification.
  • The addition of the Bill of Rights significantly impacted public perception by addressing widespread concerns over potential governmental overreach. Many citizens were apprehensive about how a powerful national government might infringe upon individual freedoms. By assuring that specific rights would be protected, such as freedom of speech and religion, supporters of the Constitution were able to quell fears and gain crucial support from hesitant states. This compromise not only facilitated ratification but also laid foundational principles for civil liberties in American governance.

Related terms

Articles of Confederation:

The first governing document of the United States, which created a weak federal government that lacked the power to tax and regulate commerce.

Federalism:

A political system where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states, allowing for shared governance.

Bill of Rights:

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution that guarantee individual liberties and rights, addressing concerns raised during the ratification debate.