Revolution
Note that Kramnick does not identify “democracy” as a discourse operative in the “Great National Discussion” of 1787. Events of the period that shaped attitudes: - Some delegates used the late insurrection of poor farmers in western Massachusetts led by Revolutionary War officer Daniel Shays as an example of the dangers of democracy when arguing against the popular election of the lower house. (Draw from Patterson essay) Elbridge Gerry, delegate from Massachusetts: “The evils we experience flow from the excess of democracy. The people do not want virtue, but are the dupes of pretended patriots. (republicanism against democracy). In Massachusetts it had been fully confirmed by experience that they are daily misled into the most baneful measures and opinions by the false reports circulated by designing men, and which no one on the spot can refute.” While maintaining that he still adhered to republican principles, Gerry argued that he “had been taught by experience the danger of the levilling spirit.” - Failure of the state legislatures: See Wilson – Gerry dichotomy below. Specific debates Whether or not there should be a bicameral legislature? - Bicameralism is a means of diluting the power of the people.