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S4 E2: "The Excess of Democracy"

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Jan 22, 2020
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ANECDOTE

Daniel Shays Leads Tax Protests

  • Daniel Shays was a former Revolutionary War captain leading protests against high taxes in Massachusetts.
  • His group peacefully shut down debtor courts to oppose harsh tax laws and economic injustice.
ANECDOTE

Springfield Arsenal Shooting

  • Farmers marched on Springfield Armory to seize weapons before governor's mercenary army arrived.
  • Militia fired cannon grape shot killing four, ending the protests with no return fire from farmers.
INSIGHT

Framers Fear Too Much Democracy

  • Framers worried about "excess of democracy" and sought to limit ordinary citizens' power in government.
  • This distrust led to checks like the Senate and presidential veto to restrain popular influence.
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