The Founding Fathers' Shift Towards Anthropological Pessimism: From the Articles to the Constitution
Publication Date
Fall 12-1-2020
School
College of Arts and Sciences
Major
Social Science--Teacher Certification
Keywords
founding fathers, anthropology, humanity, government
Disciplines
Political History | Social and Cultural Anthropology | United States History
Recommended Citation
Davis, Noah, "The Founding Fathers' Shift Towards Anthropological Pessimism: From the Articles to the Constitution" (2020). Senior Honors Theses. 1022.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/1022
Abstract
American colonists grew to abhor the evils of a strong and tyrannical government. After freeing themselves, they created an intentionally weak government that placed trust in the masses to contribute to the country’s well-being. The weak government of the Articles of Confederation was too weak, and the people did not act as virtuously as was hoped. There were many problems of the Articles, and eventually a poor economy led to riots and rebellions. After being given nearly unbridled freedom, the people revealed themselves to be selfish. The Founding Fathers decided that the people needed a stronger government to regulate society but would not become tyrannical.
Included in
Political History Commons, Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons, United States History Commons
