Constitutional Debate: Federalists vs Anti-Federalists

Successes

There are several instances when the Debates and Diplomacy during the Constitutional Convention could be viewed as a SUCCESS.
 We discuss 2 here:
                                   1) The  Bicameral Legislature and
                                   2) The Bill of Rights
   

Bicameral Legislature

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The importance of Bicameral Legislature in American society today remains a lasting testimony to the importance of the Debates and Diplomacy of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Today both House of Representatives and House of Senate have become active and energized part of the American political machine. Below are key features of each House.



House of Representatives 

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  • Consists of 435 voting Representatives from all 50 states and US Territories
  • California the most populous state has 53 Representatives while US Territories like American Samoa with smaller populations have 1 non-voting member
  • Elections for Congressmen and women are held every two years.

House of Senate

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  • Consists of 100 Senators, two from each state
  • Elections are held every 6 years
  • US Territories do not elect Senators to the Senate.

Honorable Legislators from American Samoa and Hawaii.

American Samoa Delegate to the US Congress, Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin

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Because American Samoa has a small population, it only has one representative in the House of Representatives. The Great Compromise gave larger states the advantage by basing representation on the size of a states population.

Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye

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Senators like Daniel Inouye from the state of Hawaii are an example of how the Great Compromise allowed states with smaller populations are equally represented in the Bicameral Legislature.

Bill of Rights

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The Anti-Federalist insisted on including the Bill of Rights to the US Constitution before they ratified it. This Bill of Rights has come to be one of the most beneficial parts of the US Constitution to assure the rights and freedoms of individuals. The Bill of Rights are 10 sets of laws that limit the power of the United States federal government, protecting the  rights of liberty and property including such rights as freedom of speech, a free press, free assembly, and free association, as well as the right to keep and bear arms. In addition, the Bill of Rights gives the people any rights not mentioned in the US Constitution. It reserves all powers not given to the federal government to the people or the states.


Bill of Rights Rap....
                                                        To view full version of this song/video on www.youtube.com: click here

Examples of the First Ten Amendments...

Freedom of Speech

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The Freedom of Speech is the freedom to speak freely without limitations. The right to criticiz

Freedom of the Press

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Freedom of the Press allows us to present our views publicly without fear of repercussions.

Freedom to Bear Arms

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The right to bear arms is one of the most important rights that have been the most controversial in the 21st century with the increased use of guns for serious crimes

Freedom of Religion

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The Freedom of Religion allows an individual to change religion, or follow any religion.