Compare And Contrast The Articles Of Confederation Constitution

The late 1700s was a fresh start for The United States. After gaining independence from Britain in 1776, the newly independent colony needed unity in the face of a revolutionary war. This unity came in the form of The Articles of Confederation, which was a proto-constitution which held the different states together during the war. It was soon realized that the Articles raised more questions and created more problems than it solved- in the words of Alexander Hamilton “[The Articles of Confederation] were neither fit for war nor peace.” Given this context, the Philadelphia convention was intended to bring representatives from all states, in an attempt to amend The Articles. However, a new Constitution was drafted at this convention, which would

People are sovereign because they are not controlled by another person. For example, someone who works for a baker in a bakery is reliant on that baker for their livelihood. Therefore, that person would be influenced by their boss for the reason of self-interest. If the employer of the baker were to vote a certain way, (ballots were not private like they are now) he could be fired. Thus, he is subservient to the baker. This ideology scared the Anti-Federalists who feared the elites would control through the people. People wouldn’t be able to express their own opinions on the public good because it could conflict with more powerful people who could wield influence on an individual’s

Federalists didn’t see elite politicians as overtly corrupt, but rather a counterweight to the passions of the people. These men would be of the highest esteem, education, and would be able to reason which ultimately meant they could represent the people better than the common man. The Federalists argue that this higher education, along with a sense of duty. To answer the elitist concern, Madison argues “it will be more difficult for unworthy candidates to practice with success the vicious arts, by which elections are too often carried; and the suffrages of the people being more free, will be more likely to center on men who possess the most attractive merit, and the most diffusive and established character” (Federalist 10, 172). In other words, the men elected won’t be worried about their own self-interest, but rather the public good and interest of society. Having the background and merit in politics, along with a higher education will allow these political actors to make good decisions regarding the public good. Madison truly believes that the people will elect be more likely to vote for men with high merit, good character, and good intentions- instead of political elites working in their own