America and Arizona Government for Elementary Teachers

Presentation 5: The Constitution

Presentation Objectives

AEPA Objectives0005 Understand the history of political thought through the

modern era.

0010 Understand the United States Constitution.

AZ Social Studies Standard, Strand 3

Concept 2: Structure of Government

Constitutional Convention

Constitutional Convention

Madison is Father of Constitution

Virginian Plan

The Problem of government

Anarchy Totalitarianism

Madison’s Dilemma

All previous democracies had failed Examples of Greece,

Rome, Italian city states Factions led to tyranny

every time

Madison’s Dilemma

Factions led to tyranny every time

Factions fought for power and resources

In economic or military crisis: Division led to inept govt.

and defeat Division led one faction to

sell out Tyrant would rescue the

polity, then stay Revolution by fed up

masses would lead to tyranny, “The Mob”

Madison’s Dilemma

All previous democracies had failed Examples of Greece, Rome, Italian city states Factions led to tyranny every time

Allowing factions will lead to tyranny Preventing factions will lead to tyranny

Madison’s Solution

A Large, Representative Republic No 1 faction can control all areas “The Mob” is distanced from direct power Wise elites with a stake in stability would be

chosen to guide the Republic.

Madison’s Solution

Small Republic’s prone to Evils of Faction

Faction A

Faction BFaction C

Madison’s Solution

Large Republic has many factions

No one faction can dominate

“The Mob” is distanced from direct power

Wise elites with a stake in stability would be chosen to guide the Republic.

I

H

G

F E

D

C

B

A

Govt.

Madison’s Solution

Separation of Power No 1 faction can control

all areas Central govt. can be

strong, but ineffective

Convention Debate

Debate at the Convention was heated Constitution was a negotiated document Large v. Small North v. South

Amending and Ratification

Amendment process

Amending and Ratification

Ratification debate was heated

Federalists v. anti-Federalists

Anarchy Totalitarianism

Bill of Rights

Bill of Rights was key to persuade uncertain delegates

Conclusion

Delaware Ratification Bill

This Presentation

This presentation is courtesy of Brian Dille, Professor of Political Science at Mesa Community College.