Ep 3. The Constitution Did Not Create a Democracy

The Skeptic's Guide to American History season 1 episode 3, titled "The Constitution Did Not Create a Democracy," explores the often misunderstood relationship between the United States Constitution and democracy. While many Americans may believe that the Constitution established a democracy, the reality is much more complex.

The episode begins by examining the historical context in which the Constitution was written. The Founding Fathers, who were wealthy and white, were concerned about maintaining their own power and protecting their property rights. As such, they created a system of government that was designed to limit the power of the majority and protect the interests of the wealthy minority.

To accomplish this, the Constitution established a system of representation that favored less populated states, giving them equal representation in the Senate, despite having much smaller populations than other states. This had the effect of giving rural and less populated regions more power in government than urban areas with larger populations. Additionally, the Electoral College system designed to elect the president was meant to act as a further safeguard against popular majorities.

As the episode progresses, the hosts dig deeper into the idea of democracy and how it relates to the Constitution. They argue that while the Constitution did establish a form of representative government, it also created numerous barriers to democracy such as the aforementioned Senate representation, the Electoral College, and giving the Supreme Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional.

The hosts go on to discuss the various ways in which American democracy has evolved over time, including the expansion of suffrage to women and minorities. They explain how these changes were a result of citizen activism and pressure on the government to move towards a more democratic system.

The episode concludes by examining the current state of American democracy and the challenges it faces. The hosts argue that while the United States has made significant progress towards a more democratic system, there are still many obstacles to achieving true democracy. These obstacles include voter suppression, gerrymandering, and money in politics, among others.

Overall, "The Constitution Did Not Create a Democracy" offers a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between the American Constitution and democracy. The hosts provide historical context and modern examples to illustrate the complex nature of American democracy and the challenges it faces. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in American history and politics.