#1569 Ten Things About the Constitutional Convention
Oct 16, 2023
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Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky, an expert on the creation of the Constitution, discusses the division between big and little states as well as slave states and free states. They delve into why the founders worked in secrecy, threw out the Articles of Confederation, and why Alexander Hamilton advocated for lifelong service. They also explore the impact of Thomas Jefferson's contradictions, the secrecy rule at the Constitutional Convention, and the challenges in creating and amending the Constitution.
George Washington's presence at the Constitutional Convention gave legitimacy and ensured the new Constitution would be taken seriously.
Benjamin Franklin's persuasive and charismatic nature shaped the Constitution through guidance and compromise, solidifying support for it.
The issue of representation was resolved with the Connecticut Compromise, establishing a bicameral legislature that balanced proportional and equal representation.
Deep dives
The Importance of George Washington's Presence at the Constitutional Convention
George Washington's presence at the Constitutional Convention was crucial for establishing legitimacy and garnering support for the new Constitution. As a highly respected figure and referred to as the father of the country, his involvement gave credibility to the convention and ensured that its outcome would be taken seriously. Washington's unwavering commitment to the process, his frequent attendance, and his personal endorsement of the Constitution played a significant role in its eventual adoption and ratification.
The Role of Benjamin Franklin in Shaping the Constitution
Despite his declining health and the limitations of his active participation, Benjamin Franklin had a key impact on shaping the Constitution. Known for his persuasive and charismatic nature, Franklin provided both guidance and compromise during the convention. His speeches, though sometimes apocryphal, conveyed important messages of unity and the significance of the Constitution. Franklin's reputation as a world-renowned scientist and inventor, as well as his ability to bring people together, added weight to the convention's decisions and helped solidify support for the Constitution.
The Virginia Plan and the Challenge of Balancing Big and Small States
The issue of representation was a significant challenge at the Constitutional Convention. The Virginia Plan, proposed primarily by James Madison, emphasized proportional representation and sought to provide more power to larger states. However, this sparked opposition from smaller states, who feared being overshadowed. Eventually, a compromise was reached with the Connecticut (or Great) Compromise, which established a bicameral legislature where the House of Representatives would be based on proportional representation and the Senate would provide equal representation for all states. This compromise, while not perfect, ensured the inclusion of both small and large states in the decision-making process.
The Compromise on Slavery and Challenges of the Three-Fifths Clause
The Constitutional Convention had to navigate the issue of slavery, which posed considerable challenges. Southern states, particularly South Carolina, were staunch defenders of the institution of slavery, threatening to leave the convention if it was not protected. This led to the inclusion of provisions such as the Three-Fifths Clause, which counted slaves as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes. While this compromise was distressing and inconsistent with the notion of liberty, it was a necessary concession to prevent the collapse of the convention and secure the ratification of the Constitution. The issue of slavery would later lead to significant conflicts and ultimately the Civil War.
The Vision of the Founding Fathers and the Ongoing Experiment of the Constitution
The Founding Fathers approached the drafting of the Constitution as an ongoing experiment, recognizing that it was not perfect and would require amendments and revisions over time. They emphasized the importance of the Constitution serving as a starting point and anticipated the need for future generations to refine and improve it. The ability to amend the Constitution was a central tenet, reflecting a belief in the value of citizen engagement and adaptation to address evolving challenges. Honoring the legacy of the Founding Fathers involves recognizing their intentions for continuous progress and the responsibility of each generation to contribute to the ongoing refinement of the Constitution.
This week, Clay Jenkinson’s conversation with Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky about the creation of the Constitution in the summer of 1787. What did they get right, what did they get wrong, and which issues did they simply kick down the road? Was the true divide between big states and little states, or as James Madison said, between slave states and free states? Why did the Founders work behind closed doors in secrecy? Why did they throw out the Articles of Confederation when they were instructed merely to make a few strategic amendments? Why did Alexander Hamilton give that insane five hour speech calling for the President and Senators to serve for life? How would things have been different if Jefferson had been there, if John Adams had been there, if Patrick Henry had been there? Well, Patrick Henry said he “smelt a rat.”
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