"A People's History of the United States"

Wow! The view expressed in this excerpt from A People's History of the United States, by Howard Zinn, was very interesting and different from the normal idea that the founding fathers were in it for the freedom of "the People". The way Zinn writes about both sides of the historical view of the creation of the constitution shows that the Founding Fathers had the "People" of America in mind while writing the constitution, but also could have possible been think more of their own benefits.

Zinn wrote about a historian, Charles Beard, whose view of the creation of the constitution differs from most. Beard thinks that the constitution was written to benefit the ones who wrote it, who happened to mainly be wealthy, landowners who had an economic background. Bread claims that the constitution is in direct economic interest with the one who wrote it. Beard noted that four groups of people who were not represented in the Constitutional Convention: women, slaves, indentured servants, men with out property.

Beard states that the constitution was not solely created for the benefits of the Founding Fathers, but expands to say that it was for the group that they represent. Beard also tell of representatives who met the wealthy, landowner requirement, but decided not to ratify the constitution, like Elbridge Gerry and Luther Martin, who were both from small states.

The constitution also was a quick response to Shay's Rebellion which showed the discontent of the lower class. By the time the constitution was ratified the people of America were calling for a stronger more centralized government. Thomas Jefferson even thought that the rebellion was healthy and that every now and then it is a good thing. When looking back you could even say that Shay's Rebellion was a contributing factor to the creation of the constitution.

He tells of how Beard later on goes and tells that governments represent the dominant economic class and that they are not neutral.

Zinn even says that the bill of rights was just a cover up to get the peoples support, while underneath the wealthy and powerful were entrusted with the government. And that Congress goes against the first amendment when they pass a law, in 1798, that makes it a crime to write anything false, scandalous, and malicious, called the Sedition Act of 1798. Thus an example of congress breaking the first amendment, the right to free speech and idea.

Zinn ends the chapter with a talk on the opinions of Hamilton. Hamilton believes that the government should ally itself with the wealthy and rich element of society so that the government has backing to it. Hamilton even went as far as to propose a set of laws to congress expressing his philosophy. The last thing in the chapter is a quote from Bernard Bailyn questioning the true motives of the Founding Fathers and if the were in it for their own benefit or for the real people of America.

1. Is there any strong arguments pointing towards the Founding Fathers creating the constitution for the actual people of America?

2. Could Shay's rebellion be justified, if so how?

3. Were the amendments to the Constitution also in favor to the wealthy property owners, according to Beard?