Download The Framers' Coup: The Making of the United PDF Free ePUB

The Framers' Coup: The Making of the United States Constitution image

Overview

Review

Comments

Download PDF

Americans revere their Constitution. However, most of us are unaware how tumultuous and improbable the drafting and ratification processes were. As Benjamin Franklin keenly observed, any assembly of men bring with them "all their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their local interests, and their selfish views." One need not deny that the Framers had good intentions in order to believe that they also had interests. Based on prodigious research and told largely through the voices of the participants, Michael Klarman's The Framers' Coup narrates how the Framers' clashing interests shaped the Constitution--and American history itself. The Philadelphia convention could easily have been a failure, and the risk of collapse was always present. Had the convention dissolved, any number of adverse outcomes could have resulted, including civil war or a reversion to monarchy. Not only does Klarman capture the knife's-edge atmosphere of the convention, he populates his narrative with riveting and colorful stories: the rebellion of debtor farmers in Massachusetts; George Washington's uncertainty about whether to attend; Gunning Bedford's threat to turn to a European prince if the small states were denied equal representation in the Senate; slave staters' threats to take their marbles and go home if denied representation for their slaves; Hamilton's quasi-monarchist speech to the convention; and Patrick Henry's herculean efforts to defeat the Constitution in Virginia through demagoguery and conspiracy theories. The Framers' Coup is more than a compendium of great stories, however, and the powerful arguments that feature throughout will reshape our understanding of the nation's founding. Simply put, the Constitutional Convention almost didn't happen, and once it happened, it almost failed. Even after the convention succeeded, the Constitution it produced almost failed to be ratified. Just as importantly, the Constitution was hardly the product of philosophical reflections by brilliant, disinterested statesmen, but rather ordinary interest group politics. Multiple conflicting interests had a say, from creditors and debtors to city dwellers and backwoodsmen. The upper class overwhelmingly supported the Constitution; many working class colonists were more dubious. Slave states and nonslave states had different perspectives on how well the Constitution served their interests. Ultimately, both the Constitution's content and its ratification process raise troubling questions about democratic legitimacy. The Federalists were eager to avoid full-fledged democratic deliberation over the Constitution, and the document that was ratified was stacked in favor of their preferences. In terms of substance, the Constitution was a significant departure from the more democratic state constitutions of the 1770s. Definitive and authoritative, The Framers' Coup explains why the Framers preferred such a constitution and how they managed to persuade the country to adopt it. We have lived with the consequences, both positive and negative, ever since.

Details e-book The Framers' Coup

🗸 Author(s): Michael J. Klarman
🗸 Title: The Framers' Coup: The Making of the United States Constitution
🗸 Rating : 4.6 from 5 stars (206 reviews)
🗸 Languange: English
🗸 Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
🗸 Supported Devices: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle

Readers' opinions about The Framers' Coup by Michael J. Klarman

Alaina Rodgers
Discover the untold stories of women who have shaped history with this illuminating collection of biographies. From pioneering scientists to revolutionary activists, each chapter shines a light on the remarkable achievements of women throughout the ages. With its inspiring tales of courage and resilience, this book is a celebration of female empowerment and achievement.

Imogen Williams
This comprehensive guide to healthy living offers practical advice and science-backed tips for achieving optimal health and wellness. From diet and exercise to stress management and sleep hygiene, the author covers all the essential aspects of a balanced lifestyle. With its easy-to-follow recommendations and actionable strategies, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their overall well-being.

Taraji Buchanan
This poignant memoir offers a deeply personal account of one woman's journey to overcome adversity and find redemption. From childhood trauma to adult struggles, the author shares her experiences with honesty and vulnerability, offering hope and inspiration to readers facing their own challenges. With its raw emotion and powerful storytelling, this book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.