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Charles A Beard
1913
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Suggests a cohesive, conspiratorial economic elite.
o Founding Fathers were not philosopher kings
o Reason for the convention was to limit majority rule
o Safeguard private property against the masses
• Originally, the idea was not widely accepted
• Key leaders at convention were not substantial property owners
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We must study the Constitution’s formation.
Independence was a radical response to tyranny.
Use of conventions were the groundwork for the new
government.
Early proposed alterations existed.
Delegates were limited in what they could change.
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It was an incredible group that was assembled.
Many examples of their experience.
Accomplished men showed up for this convention. The
earlier radical were not there.
The idea of the masses had never worked. They only wanted
to make them feel like they were involved.
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The assembly was not idealistic about democracy and
equality, but practical about how to preserve wealth.
Privileged aristocracy guards against volatile democracy.
They feared popular revolt of those without property.
Definitions for property and qualifications for voting were
troublesome.
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Checks and balances preserves property against the
attacks and oppression of the majority.
Many devises to keep parliamentary majorities out of
popular hands.
Veto is essential to stop bad popular law.
Ratifying conventions were a way to keep the new
government near the people.
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Delegate conventions were merely suggested, not required.
Early campaigning to ratify and begin.
The Federalist Papers
Us government is not a Democracy
o Fragmented authority
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Roche or Beard
Both and
Neither