Designing the Constitution: Learning from our Ancestors

The video explores how the founders of the United States drew from historical influences to create the US Constitution. They met in 1787 to form a Republic, borrowing ideas from ancient Athens, Rome, and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Despite its imperfections, such as allowing slavery, the Constitution was designed to evolve with the country's needs. The video questions how the US can continue learning from other democracies.

Why did the founders of the United States decide against a direct democracy?

• They feared it could lead to mob rule.

• They believed it was too similar to the British monarchy.

• They thought it would be too expensive to implement.

• They wanted to follow the Roman model of governance.

What concept did the founders borrow from ancient Athens?

• The use of a council of elders to make decisions.

• The idea of a single ruler with absolute power.

• The division of government power among separate branches.

• The establishment of a state religion.

Which ancient society influenced the founders' idea of representation for different social classes?

• The Haudenosaunee Confederacy

• Ancient Rome

• Ancient Greece

• Ancient Egypt

What lesson did the founders learn from the Haudenosaunee Confederacy?

• How to unite independent communities under one government.

• The importance of a strong central leader.

• The benefits of a direct democracy.

• The necessity of a state religion.

What was one major flaw of the original US Constitution?

• It did not allow for any form of taxation.

• It permitted the continuation of slavery.

• It required all citizens to serve in the military.

• It banned all forms of immigration.