994: A.J. Jacobs | The Year of Living Constitutionally

Slavery & Democracy

The founding fathers' views on democracy and slavery reveal a complex legacy. AJ Jacobs explains that while they avoided the term "slavery," using euphemisms like "servitude," they were aware of its moral implications but chose economic interests over abolition 1. The Constitution, seen by some as a "pact with the devil," was criticized by abolitionists like William Lloyd Garrison, yet Frederick Douglass later advocated for its potential to uphold equality 1. The founding fathers also harbored skepticism towards pure democracy, fearing mob rule and advocating for checks and balances to prevent tyranny 2.

It's a lot about framing. How do you frame that document? Do you focus on the worst parts, or do you try to make it live up to the best parts?

--- AJ Jacobs

This duality reflects their desire for a balanced government, yet one that initially favored an elite ruling class 2.

   

Presidential Power

The debate over presidential power highlights the founders' innovative yet cautious approach to governance. AJ Jacobs notes that the Constitutional Convention considered multiple leadership structures, including having three or even twelve presidents, reflecting their fear of concentrated power 3. Ultimately, the decision for a single president was made, but the founders would be shocked by the modern "imperial presidency" and its extensive powers 3.

The idea of restraining the power of the president so you don't have this one person who is all this power is a great idea.

--- AJ Jacobs

This ongoing debate is mirrored in constitutional interpretations, where originalism and living constitutionalism offer contrasting views on adapting the Constitution to contemporary society 4.

   

Virtue & Sacrifice

The founding fathers emphasized virtue and communal responsibility, a concept AJ Jacobs finds lacking in today's society. Virtue, often overshadowed by individual rights, was central to their vision, focusing on self-sacrifice for the common good 5. This ethos included civic duties like firefighting and militia service, underscoring a collective responsibility that Jacobs suggests could unify modern society 5.

I wish that the constitution had a bill of responsibilities in addition to a bill of rights.

--- AJ Jacobs

Jacobs' experiment of living constitutionally, complete with historical attire and practices, serves as a reminder of the founding fathers' intent to balance personal freedoms with societal obligations 6.