Thomas Jefferson's Constitutional Convention

Words: 476

Pages: 2

Open Document

When the United States Constitution was created back in 1776, Thomas Jefferson argued that there should be a constitutional convention held every 20 years to make changes to the Constitution. Jefferson believed that holding this Constitutional Convention would update the constitution to apply to the modern era. After debating whether or not to hold this constitutional convention every 20 years, the house decided to not hold another constitutional convention. Jefferson was right to argue that a Constitution Convention should be held every 20 year.
In a letter written to James Madison in 1789, Jefferson writes, “Every constitution, then, and every law, naturally expires at the end of nineteen years. If it be enforced longer, it is an act of force, and not of right.” Jefferson is expressing that the laws created in this constitution were not meant to be enforced past his generation. The government should adapt to the changing society of the United …show more content…
This would also have more citizens involved in the elections of their government officials. The basis of the American Government is the people of the United States of America are the ones in control of electing the personnel involved with making decisions on their behalf. In the Declaration of Independence, it gives people the right to overthrow the government and institute a new one in the event of the government becoming destructive. The Declaration of Independence states, “That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and

A Rhetorical Analysis Of Benjamin Banneker's Letter

beginning at the Constitutional Convention that carried on through Abraham Lincoln’s presidency and the addition of the 14th Amendment. Benjamin Banneker, a former slave, took the side of anti-slavery throughout his letter, utilizing a historical allusion along with anaphora to facilitate his audience’s understanding of Banneker’s point of view. Banneker capitalizes on his audience’s vulnerability through the use of a historical allusion. The audience of the letter is Thomas Jefferson, one of…

Words 511 - Pages 3

Founding Brothers Summary

George Washington’s Farewell Address and the major points it covered. The chapter titled, The Collaboration, the reader’s focus is drawn to the relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. John Adams was the nation’s second President, and at the time, Thomas Jefferson was his Vice President. Jefferson’s term as President was quite challenging. These two men, separated by political differences, continued to maintain respect for each other as well as a functioning…

Words 754 - Pages 4

How Did The Bill Of Rights Influence George Mason Declaration Of Independence

Virginia patriots during the American Revolution, and his concept of inalienable rights influenced Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence. As a member of the Constitutional Convention, Mason advocated strong local government and a weak central government. This led to the adoption of the Bill of Rights. George mason was born December 11, 1725, Fairfax County, Virginia. His parents George and Ann Thomas mason. George had a brother name Thomson Mason, he was a Virginia lawyer. George mason dad died…

Words 693 - Pages 3

Virginia Protagonists: George Mason And The American Revolution

Born on a farm in Fairfax County, Virginia, on December 11, 1725, George Mason guided the Virginia nationalists during the American Revolution. His idea of natural rights heavily influenced Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence. Mason was a member of the Constitutional Convention and urged a strong local government and a weak central government. This led to the take on of the Bill of Rights. He died on October 7, 1792 in Gunston Hall, Virginia. Mason’s model for Virginia's constitution…

Words 185 - Pages 1

Essay on Madison v Jefferson Constructionists

When the constitutional convention first met and the United States constitution was written all of the delegates, at that time, was considered federalists. By the time John Adams was out of presidential office in 1801 two distinct parties had emerged and their opposing views on the interpretation of the constitution were vastly different. At first both Jefferson and Madison adopted and supported Alexander Hamilton’s financial ideas and both supported the necessary and proper clause in order to help…

Words 744 - Pages 3

Representativ Pinckney's Role In Constitutional Convention Contributions

State: South Carolina Age at Convention: 29 Date of Birth: October 26, 1757 Date of Death: October 29, 1824 Schooling: Unknown Occupation: Lawyer, Planter and Slave Holder, Lending and Investments, Public Security Interests Prior Political Experience: Continental Congress 1777-1778, Confederation Congress 1784-1787, State Legislature of South Carolina 1779-1780, 1786-1789, 1792-1796, Upper House 1779-1784 Committee Assignments: Committee of Rules Convention Contributions: Arrived May 25 and…

Words 793 - Pages 4

A Life In James Madison's Bill Of Rights

He was a Secretary of State under Thomas Jefferson's presidency (1801-1809)[1] but as Jefferson’s 2nd term was winding down, Madison rose to the challenge. Madison quickly beat out James Monroe and in 1809, Madison was inaugurated President of the United States. When Madison came into office in 1809, the federal…

Words 820 - Pages 4

chater 8 hentretta notes Essay

Creating Republican Institutions, 1776-1787 The various state constitutions, with their various degrees of popular sovereignty, laid the groundwork for efforts to create a stronger national government. Congress had been exercising de facto constitutional authority since 1776 and, despite its limited powers, successfully planned the settlement of the trans-Appalachian West. Congress established the Northwest Territory and issued ordinances affecting the settlement and administration of western…

Words 1539 - Pages 7

What Role Did Virginia Constitution Play In American History

settlement in North America, the iconic Jamestown. Furthermore, they were home to the first colonial legislature, the Virginia House of Burgesses. This, along with many other firsts, made Virginia a key player in any discussion, including the Constitutional Convention. Understanding Virginia and its constitution is essential to understanding both American history and current events. Virginia was the first of the thirteen colonies, and it set an example for the other twelve. A central part of their government…

Words 1444 - Pages 6

American Dream and Religion Influences Essay

Religious Influences and The American Dream Thomas Jefferson once said this about religion, “I have examined all the known superstitions of the world, and I do not find in our particular superstitions of Christianity one redeeming feature. They are all alike founded on fables and mythology.” Freedom of religion is a choice America made when the Bill of Rights was written. People came from different countries because of the principle of freedom of religion. People found out about the opportunities…

Words 1095 - Pages 5