POL327Y5 Lecture 3: Oct 2.docx
Document Summary
U. s. constitution (1789) 13 states, rural, minor power. Many americans see the constitution as a higher law, it is a political document. U. s. was founded on the right of revolution overthrowing the government (right to bare arms) Counted slaves as 3/5 of a person in terms of population. Current u. s. constitution is the second, first was called the articles of confederation. Original purpose was to protect minorities (federalist papers) Purpose of government is to protect the right of individuals. Quaker"s wanted to protect the rights of minorities they were a minority within christianity, also pacifists (non-violent) Most important cause of factions the uneven distribution of wealth within societies. John jay argues that the purpose of govt. is that those who own the country should govern it (property owners, elite) Unitary executive: president should not be limited within foreign policy. Article 1 of constitution: powers of congress congress should be responsible for welfare of public.
