Were the framers of the Constitution during the 20th century in the American colonies democrats or elitists, or both?
20th century? Don't you mean the 18th century?
What do you think the answer is? Why?
Yes, the 18th century is correct. I think they were both because some of the articles were basing on poor self interests.
I agree. The framers of the Constitution were elitists and democrats. They believed that every white man should be able to vote -- but excluded women and African-Americans from full citizenship.
To determine whether the framers of the Constitution during the 20th century in the American colonies were democrats or elitists, we need to understand their political ideologies and motivations.
The framers of the Constitution were primarily influenced by the ideals of the Age of Enlightenment, which emphasized individual liberties and Enlightenment political theories. They were deeply committed to creating a system of government that would prevent the abuses they had experienced under British rule.
While it is important to note that the terms "democrats" and "elitists" did not have the same connotations during that time as they do today, we can analyze the framers' beliefs and actions to gain insight into their political leanings.
1. Democratic elements: Many of the framers were proponents of republican government, where representatives are elected to make decisions on behalf of the people. They sought to protect individual rights and prevent unchecked majority rule. For instance, the framers incorporated checks and balances, separation of powers, and the inclusion of a Bill of Rights into the Constitution to ensure that democratic principles were upheld.
2. Elitist elements: The framers were also concerned about the potential dangers of direct democracy and "mob rule." They believed that the government should be structured in a way that prevented the masses from making hasty or ill-informed decisions. For example, the Constitution initially provided for the indirect election of Senators by state legislatures, and the Electoral College was established to select the president.
Ultimately, it is important to understand that the framers of the Constitution had a variety of perspectives and ideologies, which sometimes overlapped or conflicted. While some may have leaned more towards democratic principles, others were more inclined to preserve the influence of the elite or educated class.
To gain a deeper understanding of the framers' specific beliefs, motivations, and writings, it is recommended to explore primary sources such as The Federalist Papers and the personal correspondence of individuals like James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson. By examining their words and actions, we can gather insight into their vision for the new American government.