Constitutional Convention Delegates
While the system of government created in the U.S. Constitution was democratic for its time, it is important to remember that there exist several limitations on popular rule in the Constitution. Debates held in the convention on May 31, 1787, illustrate that many of the Founding Fathers did not trust democracy. Others, to varying degrees, believed that the direct election of at least some national officials was an essential component of a successful government. On a split vote (six states in favor, two states opposed, and two states divided), it was decided that the direct election of members of the House of Representatives would be allowed.
The third resolution "that the national legislature ought to consist of two branches" was agreed to without debate or dissent, except that of Pennsylvania, given probably from complaisance to Doctor Franklin, who was understood to be partial to a single House.....
This is a free excerpt of 150 words. This section contains 1,525 words. This
article contains 67,374 words (approx. 225 pages at 300
words per page).
Read the rest of this Article with our Constitutional Convention Access Pass.
