Chapter Three: The Constitution

The Revolutionary Roots of the Constitution

Freedom in Colonial America
The Road to Revolution
Revolutionary Action
The Declaration of Independence

From Revolution to Confederation

The Articles of Confederation
Disorder Under the Confederation

From Confederation to Constitution

The Virginia Plan
The New Jersey Plan
The Great Compromise
Compromise on the Presidency

The Final Product

The Basic Principles

Republicanism
Federalism
Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

The Articles of the Constitution

Article I: The Legislative Article
Article II: The Executive Article
Article III: The Judicial Article
The Remaining Articles

The Farmer's Motives
The Slavery Issue

Selling the Constitution

The Federalist Papers
A Concession

The Bill of Rights

Ratification

Constitutional Change

The Formal Amendment Process
Interpretation by the Courts
Political Practice

An Evaluation of the Constitution

Freedom, Order, and Equality in the Constitution
The Constitution and Models of Democracy