We the People, 5th Edition

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Questions or comments? Please contact the editor, Denise Shanks

Chapter Overview

The First Founding: Interests and Conflicts

What conflicts are apparent and what interests prevailed during the American Revolution and the drafting of the Articles of Confederation?

The Second Founding: From Compromise to Constitution

Why were the Articles of Confederation unable to hold the nation together?
In what ways is the U.S. Constitution a marriage of interest and principle?
How did the framers of the Constitution reconcile their competing interests and principles?

The Constitution

What principles does the Constitution embody?
What were the intents of the framers of the Constitution regarding the legislative, executive, and judicial branches?

The Fight for Ratification

What sides did the Federalists and the Antifederalists represent in the fight over ratification?
Over what key principles did the Federalists and Antifederalists disagree?

The Citizen’s Role and the Changing Constitution

Why is the Constitution difficult to amend?
What purposes do the amendments to the Constitution serve?

Reflections on Liberty, Equality, and Democracy

Did the framers value liberty, equality, and democracy? Why or why not?

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