It is quite difficult to ascribe modern meaning to ancient texts. One could argue that there is no greater folly. The Constitution has been the guiding document of this country since its ratification over two hundred and thirty years ago, and for all of its scruples, is still the most important political document ever written. Thus, it is the role of several of our most hallowed institutions to ascribe modern meanings to ancient texts. The main visionary behind the Constitution, James Madison, would not understand our world today. He would probably have not envisioned that a half-black and per another, dumber President, quite possibly Kenyan man would eventually become the President himself over two hundred years after the formation of America. …show more content…
Sebelius – the individual mandate and the forced expansion of Medicaid – were both derided by its critics as fantastic overreaches by the federal government, but of the two, only the coerced Medicaid expansion was struck down. Madison argues in Federalist #45 that the size of the federal government, both figuratively and literally, should not exceed that of the States: he says that “The members of the legislative, executive, and judiciary departments of thirteen and more States, the justices of peace, officers of militia, ministerial officers of justice, with all the county, corporation, and town officers, for three millions and more of people, intermixed, and having particular acquaintance with every class and circle of people, must exceed, beyond all proportion, both in number and influence, those of every description who will be employed in the administration of the federal system.” (“Federalist 45” 1) The sheer existence of a program the size of Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid, three building blocks of modern American governing, would be of absolute shock to Madison. This modern understanding of the role of the federal government has still prevailed, often due to the vagueness of the Constitution itself. In defending the phrasing of the Constitution, Madison offers: “It has been urged and echoed, that the power “to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts, and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States,” amounts to an unlimited commission to exercise every power which may be alleged to be necessary for the common defense or general welfare… But what would have been thought of that assembly, if, attaching themselves to these general expressions, and disregarding the specifications which ascertain and limit their import, they had exercised an unlimited power of providing for the common defense and general welfare?” (“Federalist 41” 1)
The Summer of 1787 was written by David O. Stewart as a historical, non-fiction recount of the events leading to the Constitutions adoption hundreds of years ago. David O. Stewart is extremely qualified to put together such a book. Mr. Stewart is a prolific author in matters of politics and history. In addition, Mr. Stewart studied law at Yale, a highly praised institution. From his studies in modern law to reading all 500 pages of James Madison’s notes from the constitutional convention, Mr. Stewart has the motivation and intelligence to effectively narrate the time before the constitutions implementation.
Ancient sources were one of the major historical influences on the United States Constitution. One of the reasons that ancient sources was a large influence on the Constitution was because Romans founded the idea of republicanism. Republicanism is when people elect representatives to carry out their wishes. Elected representatives in Ancient Rome made decisions on behalf of the Roman people. The writers of the Constitution supported this idea because it would provide their country with representatives in government.
Empowers Congress to regulate commerce among the states The Constitution empowers Congress to regulate commerce “among the several states,” and no court has ever held that merely living in one of those states qualifies as commerce “among the several states.” If the federal government can force Americans to engage in commerce by buying health insurance, it can insist that they buy automobiles from bankrupt manufacturers, become farmers by growing food in their yards, and exercise three times a week. That is, upholding this power would obliterate the constitutional scheme of limited government.
In other words, Madison wanted federalism in our country. Because both state and local governments check each other due to their separate
After a fiercely fought revolution, the newly independent American nation struggled to establish a concrete government amidst an influx of opposing ideologies. Loosely tied together by the Articles of Confederation, the thirteen sovereign states were far from united. As growing schisms in American society became apparent, an array of esteemed, prominent American men united in 1787 to form the basis of the United States government: the Constitution. Among the most eminent members of this convention were Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson. These men, held to an almost godly stature, defined the future of the nation; but were their intentions as honest as they seemed?
Ratification DBQ The Constitution is a document that still stands as America’s governing body, proving its strength and ability to stand the test of time. Although some aspects of the document are debated and the argument of what is and what is not constitutional is discussed often, it has proven to be right for America and its people. However, in the late 1700s, not everyone saw the Constitution as strong and supported its state-power-heavy predecessor, The Articles of Confederation.
Numerous thoughts were proposed amid the drafting of the constitution however maybe none as vital as that of balanced governance. This thought is exemplified in James Madison's The Federalist. He additionally does this by demonstrating that the legislature must have fundamental measures to control itself. Both of the thoughts he bolsters in his paper show that he was an extraordinary supporter of the endorsement of
Representatives of two states petitioned for the wording to specifically limit the federal government’s power to those expressed within the Constitution. Such a severe limitation would deny the federal government implied powers needed to successfully complete its duties under the Constitution. James Madison rejected the idea, as he strongly believed that limiting the powers of the federal government would be impossible and the work that needed to be done would never get done. When questions arise over what the government is responsible for, what the states are responsible for, or any issue. For instance, questions about how important road signs should look is not mentioned in the Constitution so it is a state power.
The new constitution, a document granting the framework for a new democratic government, replacing the Articles of the Confederation. This new document gained approval from some of the citizens, but also raised questions and concerns from others. There was a constant back and forth between the two groups on whether or not the constitution should be ratified. This editorial provides historical background on the issue and expresses my opinion on which side I would’ve chosen.
The U.S. Constitution is a Living Document Since society has changed dramatically between the eighteenth and twenty first century, the U.S Constitution should be considered as a living document because it is not applicable in today's society and therefore in need of some changes in order to fit into today’s society. When our founding fathers wrote the constitution they did not have in mind all the technological advancements the U.S. will one day have. Such as the internet, television, radio, and so on. Other’s will say that if the constitution was considered a living document then judges will take advantage and manipulate the constitution to their benefit, but they don’t realize that people already manipulate the constitution. There were laws that contradicted the constitution like the Judiciary Act of 1789, which contradicts Article III of the Constitution in the Marbury v. Madison case.
One of the changes in American politics was the changing role of the federal government. This is evident in James Madison's veto message from 1817 where he expresses his difficulty in reconciling a bill for internal improvements with the Constitution (POV - Doc 2). This document reveals a shift in the understanding of the federal government's role in the economy and infrastructure, and the growing debate over the
In Danielle Allen’s article for The Atlantic, “The Flawed Genius of the Constitution,” she explores her opinion regarding the U.S. Constitution through analyzing its origin along with its current standing as a historical document. The Constitution is arguably one of the most fundamental legal documents that continues to define our nation today. However, the foundation of the Constitution and its initial implications have been frowned upon for decades. Two of the most essential aspects of the Constitution, universal suffrage and freedom for all, were not defended by the document upon its initial ratification. As such, to be “in support” of the constitution is a convoluted claim with many connotations; in her article, Allen works to sort through
DBQ Essay The United States Constitution is a document that or founding fathers made in order to replace the failing Articles of Confederation (A of C). Under the Constitution, the current government and states don’t have the problems they faced when the A of C was in action. The Constitution was created in 1788, and held an idea that the whole nation was nervous about. This idea was a strong national government, and the Federalist assured the people that this new government would work. The framers of the Constitution decided to give more power to the Federal government rather than the state governments because the A of C had many problems, there was a need for the layout of new government, rights, and laws, and there was a need for the Federal
The Constitution—the foundation of the American government—has been quintessential for the lives of the American people for over 200 years. Without this document America today would not have basic human rights, such as those stated in the Bill of Rights, which includes freedom of speech and religion. To some, the Constitution was an embodiment of the American Revolution, yet others believe that it was a betrayal of the Revolution. I personally believe that the Constitution did betray the Revolution because it did not live up to the ideals of the Revolution, and the views of the Anti-Federalists most closely embodied the “Spirit of ‘76.” During the midst of the American Revolution, authors and politicians of important documents, pamphlets, and slogans spread the basis for Revolutionary ideals and defined what is known as the “Spirit of ‘76”.
The Constitution of the United States was formed 223 years ago. Since 1787, a lot has changed. We grew as a country, technology advanced, and we elected 43 different presidents. One of witch, being the first African-American President in history. Due to its age, some may argue that the Constitution is irrelevant to today’s problems.