I thought this was a great conversation. I’ve been reading some work by Ahkil Reed Amar about the founding and the constitution. He says that the father of the constitution was not Madison but Washington. He also says that Federalist #10 actually wasn’t a popular paper at the time and that is was more #’s 2-8 that had much more influence on the final draft. Also, you said that a majority of people were illiterate at the time and that the constitution was written primarily for the rich. But Amar says that many of the federalist papers and other pamphlets were widely printed and distributed for the people. And that the founders weren’t constructing the documents for themselves or their property but for the people, hence why they started with “We the people.” And citizens voted for it (Yes I know not all citizens) Anyway I’m not sure if you’re familiar with him or his work but just thought I’d share with you what I learned from him.
Thanks, Ryan! I'm unfamiliar with Amar, but thank you for your description.
I'm sure sources vary on this, but I have a hard time reconciling that the early days of America were really as democratic as we believe. Howard Zinn cited a source that about 5% of the US participated in its first elections, given the property, gender, and racial rules around voting. If that's true, or it's even comparable to reality, I'm disinclined to believe that the Founders were really committed to widespread democratic participation. Just my opinion, though!
I thought this was a great conversation. I’ve been reading some work by Ahkil Reed Amar about the founding and the constitution. He says that the father of the constitution was not Madison but Washington. He also says that Federalist #10 actually wasn’t a popular paper at the time and that is was more #’s 2-8 that had much more influence on the final draft. Also, you said that a majority of people were illiterate at the time and that the constitution was written primarily for the rich. But Amar says that many of the federalist papers and other pamphlets were widely printed and distributed for the people. And that the founders weren’t constructing the documents for themselves or their property but for the people, hence why they started with “We the people.” And citizens voted for it (Yes I know not all citizens) Anyway I’m not sure if you’re familiar with him or his work but just thought I’d share with you what I learned from him.
Thanks, Ryan! I'm unfamiliar with Amar, but thank you for your description.
I'm sure sources vary on this, but I have a hard time reconciling that the early days of America were really as democratic as we believe. Howard Zinn cited a source that about 5% of the US participated in its first elections, given the property, gender, and racial rules around voting. If that's true, or it's even comparable to reality, I'm disinclined to believe that the Founders were really committed to widespread democratic participation. Just my opinion, though!
Feel better soon! And don’t put too much pressure on yourself. We will be here.
Thank you, Mary! I appreciate that.
Honestly, this audience means so much to me. I just don't want people to think I'm taking their attention for granted.