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Shay's Rebellion On The Making Of The Constitution Essay

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 How did the events that led to US independence and the historical context influence the US Constitution? The Declaration of Independence is a pillar of American history that has had a significant effect on the Constitution and the organization of the United States government. The Declaration of Independence declared the United States free of British control and outlined a philosophy of individual rights and liberties (CrashCourse, 2013). This text influenced the development of the framework for the United States Constitution, which provides individuals certain rights and liberties while ensuring the existence of a strong federal government to preserve those rights (CrashCourse, 2013). In essence, the language and concepts included in this …show more content…

The significance of Shays' Rebellion on the drafting of the United States Constitution may be observed in its impact on public opinion, role in influencing constitutional discussions, and potential to shape future public policy (CrashCourse, 2013). The lessons acquired through Shays' Rebellion acted as a wake-up call to the Founding Fathers, resulting in a stronger central government with greater authority to defend individual rights and liberties for all Americans. For example, one of the biggest flaws in the Article of Confederations was its inability to collect taxes, so the founding fathers found it necessary to create a document that would allow governments to raise funds to protect the interests of individuals (CrashCourse, …show more content…

 How does the US Constitution limit “the power of the people”? The United States Constitution is the primary law of the country, serving to limit "the power of the people" by safeguarding their individual rights and liberties (CrashCourse, 2013). The Constitution assigns some rights to the federal government while reserving others to state governments through its enumerated powers (CrashCourse, 2013). Furthermore, it provides civil rights like freedom of speech and religion, protection from illegal searches and seizures, jury trial, etc. (CrashCourse, 2013). These clauses ensure that people’s rights are protected and that they are not violated by the government.  What were the main arguments of those in favor and against ratifying the Constitution? When it was initially proposed, the United States Constitution was a contentious document. Those in favor of ratifying the Constitution asserted that it established a strong national government and ensured justice and liberty for all individuals, while those opposed contended that it established an overly powerful central government and eroded state rights (CrashCourse, 2013). The battle over ratifying the Constitution was raging, with both sides presenting strong points that are still being contested

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In the declaration of independence and the letter from Jefferson on Shay's Rebellion proves that Jefferson would support modern day protests. For example in paragraph 1 it states "God forbid we should ever be 20 years without such a rebellion.". This line tells us how there will always be protests. Jefferson writes "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with blood of patriots and tyrants.". Here Jefferson is inturrpeting that rebellions and protests are natural and they will happen from"time to time".

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Shays’ Rebellion greatly alarmed politicians throughout the nation. The Constitutional improve the national level of the

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When looking at words Thomas Jefferson used in historical documents, conclusions can be drawn about what he might think today about protestors. Many groups choose to voice their needs by means of protest, and I believe Jefferson would support these actions based on two of his writings: the Declaration of Independence and a letter to a friend about Shay’s Rebellion. An example of evidence to support my claim comes first from the Declaration of Independence, “that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends (right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness), it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it (government). Jefferson shows a strong belief in this line that it is ultimately up to the people

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These rebellions were important to early American political thought because it emphasized the need for a powerful federal government to collect taxes. Shays' Rebellion showed the weaknesses and shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation and which eventually contributed to the Constitution and granting the central government more power. The Whiskey Rebellion’s

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The Constitution of the United States was written in 1787, but there was a grapple for its ratification that went on until about two decades after the ratification. Members of Congress believed that the first government of the United States or the Articles of Confederation, needed to be adjusted while others did not want anything to change. After the Revolutionary War, the people did not want a strong central government, because it reminded them too much of what they were trying to escape from. Under the Articles, each state had their own laws, and the need for a new Constitution was desired by many. The Constitution of 1787 created huge debates, arguments and splits in the nation that lasted for several year after its ratification between people who

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The rebellion was a sign of justification for constitutional reform. As a result, the Articles of Confederation were revised not long after the end of the rebellion, thus the new consitution was signed on September 17th, 1787. In a way, Shay’s Rebellion also resulted in geographical change. With the new constitution, slavery was left out of the discussion, which paved the way for tensions to rise and cause the American Civil War.

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(Lawson). With the rights of people protected in the bill of rights, the government cannot manipulate or abuse the rights of its citizens easily. “ANTIFEDERALISTS did not necessarily regard a bill of rights as a legally enforceable set of claims that individuals could invoke; rather, they thought of it as a statement of principles that would enable the people to judge the legitimacy of acts of government” (Rakove). This also help the government to appear more legitimate, formal and more like a for the people type of government. “Opponents of the Constitution believed that the

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