So, the American Revolution really isn't a "revolution" in the sense that it does not seek to turn society on its head (i.e.- French Revolution). It is a more conservative "revolution" in that it seeks to maintain the order that exists. Its a power struggle. Imagine that. The colonies do not want to return to Britain the power of self-determination that they had enjoyed previously. How much power do you want? How much are you willing to give up? Therefore, the power-brokers of the colonies must find a way to keep their power. They will use force if necessary. But it must be justified. If you hold power, you don't want to set a precedent for rebellion against power. There must be specific parameters and justifications for rational people to look at. Welcome in the social contract theory and its hour of glory.
Ladies & gentlemen, Thomas Jefferson...
See if these don't sound like legit reasons for a rebellion to maintain the power that you have.
But, if you are saying that you are not going to live under their rules anymore, what set of rules are you going to live under? Remember.. anarchy doesn't work. People are inclined to create order out of chaos. There must be order, so what is the order?
Enter the Articles of Confederation.
You fear the unitary power structure that England maintained, so what's the opposite? Confederal.
- One legislative body
- Equality of states
- Limited powers of Congress (see chart on p 48)
Problems become evident. Shay's Rebellion??
Let's regroup. How do we solve these problems.
Constitutional Convention
James Madison, et al.
Virginia Plan
New Jersey Plan
Compromises
- Great (see chart on p54)
- 3/5
- Electoral College
