Overview
The Framers understood that the “latent causes of faction . . . are sown in the nature of man.” Consequently, the Constitution establishes a number of institutional mechanisms such as representation and separation of powers to control the effects of faction. In so doing, the Constitution improved upon previous models of republican government.
Lecture
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Video Discussion Questions
Can citizens today consent to a government ratified over two hundred years ago?
Why wasn’t the Bill of Rights included in the original Constitution?
Recommended Readings
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Ronald J. Pestritto is the Charles and Lucia Shipley Professor in the American Constitution at Hillsdale College. He received his B.A. from Claremont McKenna College and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate University.