Chapter 2: The Constitution and Its Origins: Critical Thinking Questions
One of the chief areas of compromise at the Constitutional Convention was the issue of slavery. Should delegates who opposed slavery have been willing to compromise? Why or why not?
Although slavery was considered an essential business at the time, I think that the delegates who opposed slavery should have absolutely not compromised. Slavery was one of the darkest and ugliest parts of American history, and it completely went against the idea of everyone having a voice and being free. Slavery is disgusting and repulsive and should have absolutely been abolished before it was.
Do the Constitution and the Bill of Rights protect the life, liberty, and property of all Americans? Why or why not?
Both the Constitution and the Bill of Rights protect the life, liberty and property of all americans. If they weren't created, we would most likely still be run by a British monarch.
Was the Bill of Rights a necessary addition to the Constitution? Defend your answer.
The Bill of Rights was absolutely and wholeheartedly necessary addition to the Constitution. The BoR, which is the first ten amendments, contains all of the fundamental rights of American citizens. If they weren't included, Britain's government could and would most likely create more war and overpower.
What core values and beliefs led to the American Revolution and the writing of the Articles of Confederation? How do these values and beliefs affect American politics today?
The core views and beliefs that lead to the American Revolution and the writing of the Articles of Confederation were that the colonists thought that they were entitled to more rights. Because they were living under British people for a long time, they felt neglected, abused, and deprived of their basic human rights. The values of freedom and independence set them off on their ideas of revolution and wanting their own government to create their own ideals- but they couldn't because they had nothing to establish themselves. Then, the Articles of Confederation was created, the basis of their new government, of freedom, independence, etc. This affects American politics today with the idea of a people chosen government, instead of a monarchy. These core beliefs of freedom, independence, and rights are the basis of american nationalism.
Is the federal government too powerful? Should states have more power? If so, what specific power(s) should states have?
The federal government is absolutely too powerful. I believe that states should have the ability to pass and approve some laws to help balance the federal government's power.
What new amendments should be added to the Constitution? Why?
I think that instead of a new amendment being added, that we need to reform the 2nd amendment. Guns have gone too far- the 2nd amendment shows a right to bear arms with the fact of a militia, which no longer are prominent. The amount of people dying, losing family members and suffering are more important than someone who wants to own a gun. If not getting rid of guns altogether, I think that creating more laws to own these weapons is so important. Change needs to happen, and it needs to happen now.
Was Britain truly depriving colonists of their natural rights? Explain your reasoning.
Yes, I think that Britain was truly depriving the colonists of their natural rights. Because at the time, they were a monarchy- their beliefs differed from the colonists, who wanted rights and freedom for all, not controlled by a sole ruler. Britain was heavily taxing the colonists and not allowing them to participate in their government, which was oppressive and unfair.
