Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the Constitution | Topics for Discussion & Projects

Original Meanings: Politics and Ideas in the Making of the Constitution Topics for Discussion

Regarding the concept of originalism, how does the view of the legal profession differ from those of the historian regarding its significance?

Why did Mason, Randolph and Gerry refuse to sign the Constitution?

What are the two big compromises that take place at the Convention? Why are they important?

What are the deficiencies in the Articles of Confederation? Why did this present a problem?

Why did the Anti-Federalists insist on a Bill of Rights? The fact that a delineation of rights is missing from the Constitution connotates what meaning? Why?

What are the positions of the Anti-Federalists regarding states’ rights? Why?

What would the existence of slavery in the South have to do with the omission of a Bill of Rights when the Constitution was ratified? Do you think the omission was accidental or intentional? What could be gained by an intentional omission?

What is meant by the American experiment...
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