The Constitutional Convention, proposed by the democratic reformers, became the basis of the constitutional order in the country. However, there is debate about the extent to which the Founding Fathers were guided by democratic principles (Wood 2021). This is the reason for my interest in this topic, as researchers have differing opinions. However, most argue that the Founding Fathers were not directed toward democracy. Thus, perhaps the Founding Fathers were not democratic reformers but defenders of elite status.
This topic is controversial, with one party believing that the Founding Fathers’ activities were for the state and another believing that they were pursuing their gain. Some scholars suggest that the constitutional reforms were aimed at freeing the will of the citizens in favor of the state’s interests (Wood 2021). The Founding Fathers sought to expand individual independence and liberalism within the state. Other scholars argue that the reforms proposed by the Founding Fathers were designed to protect their businesses and wealth by empowering the American elite (Wood 2021). Moreover, the Constitution may not have been an attempt to introduce democracy into the state but rather an attempt by the Founding Fathers to consolidate their political and economic power.
The shift from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution was driven by the need to strengthen the federal government. The Articles of Confederation proclaimed the sovereignty of the states, giving their governments broad powers (Wood 2021). Strong states meant no central government and no single governmental structure. The states possessed supreme power, which deprived the state of the ability to govern the country effectively. Divided power led to tensions between states and political groups and economic problems (Wood 2021). Therefore, the U.S. needed a unified federal government that could solve problems more effectively. At the same time, the Articles of Confederation severely limited federal powers, which could lead to stunted development. Under the Articles of Confederation, the states sought to protect their interests, ultimately leading to an inability to achieve the goals necessary for the entire country.
In summary, scholars disagree, but the fact that the Articles of Confederation gave the states the freedom and power to control the most important political and economic processes is undeniable. The Founding Fathers can rather be categorized as defenders of elite status, as this is the direction in which researchers make meaningful justifications. This issue requires more in-depth consideration, as history questions rarely have a clear answer.
Reference
Wood, Gordon S. 2021. Power and Liberty: Constitutionalism and the American Revolution. Oxford University Press.