Hillsdale' Constitution 101: "The Problem of Majority Tyranny"

Hillsdale College ^ | Feb. 2012 | David J. Bobb

[iowamark]

Welcome to Week 3 “The Problem of Majority Tyranny”

Overview

America was governed under the Articles of Confederation from 1781 to 1789. Unable to redress the problem of “majority tyranny,” the Articles were abandoned in favor of the Constitution, which created a “more perfect union.”

David J. Bobb is director of the Hillsdale College Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship, in Washington, D.C., and lecturer in politics. Dr. Bobb teaches courses in American politics and political theory to students participating in the Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program. Through teaching the enduring principles of the American Declaration of Independence and Constitution, the Kirby Center seeks to inspire citizens to live worthy of the blessings of liberty.

From 2001 to 2010 Dr. Bobb served as director of the Hillsdale College Charles R. and Kathleen K. Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, a civic education program for high school teachers. Formerly a research associate at the Boston-based Pioneer Institute for Public Policy Research, he has published reviews and articles in Perspectives on Political Science, the Claremont Review of Books, the American Spectator, and the Washington Times. He blogs regularly for BigGovernment.com, and his book on humility as a political virtue is under review for publication. He received his B.A. from Hillsdale College, summa cum laude, and his Ph.D. in political science from Boston College.

[iowamark]

Week 3 study guide:

http://www.hillsdale.edu/constitution/pdfs/03_StudyGuide.pdf

[iowamark]

You should of course register for the class to have access to all the course links. Hillsdale will not harass or spam you.

http://www.hillsdale.edu/constitution/

[iowamark]

Dr. David Bobb: Constitution 101 - Week Three Q&A

Get started on readings for Week Four, “Separation of Powers: Preventing Tyranny.”

Readings for Week 4:

1. “Federalist 47” – James Madison
2. “Federalist 48” – James Madison
3. “Federalist 51” – James Madison

   Freepmail Iowamark if you want on or off the Hillsdale ping list.

[iowamark]

Oops! Correct readings for Week4:

Readings for Week 4:

1. “Federalist 47” – James Madison
2. “Federalist 48” – James Madison
3. “Federalist 51” – James Madison

[Jacquerie]

Thanks!

[2001convSVT]

Thanks, well done.

[EternalVigilance]

Bump.

[Steve Newton]

Yes

Just when you thought you knew your Constitution, you learn something else.

Great course

[Jacquerie]

In 51, Madison touched on a fundamental aspect of our Constitution which contributed to our longevity. As opposed to Utopian societies, in which elites impose their notions of the perfect, our Framers accepted an imperfect man for what he was and turned our imperfections into a strength.

To wit, “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.” Our Constitution did not rely on separation of powers, on so called parchment barriers alone. Each branch possessed checks on the others. If nothing else, pride (a deadly sin, yes?) alone of Congressmen would induce them to impeach a President or Judge who, for instance, usurped Article I Section 1 by making laws. They ignore their power of the purse, their Article III, "with such exceptions . . . " power, etc.

220+ years later, our Reps and “Senators” are too corrupt, too comfortable in their cozy offices, their golden parachutes, to be insulted at how Obama and Federal Courts have whittled away their power.

As long as they do not ruffle the feathers of the other branches, do not draw negative attention to themselves, they can typically expect reelection and far too much respect and emoluments in return for f*cking up my country.