The ‘Three-Fifths Compromise’ was not based on racism
This is the second in a series of essays answering defamatory charges leveled against the U.S. Constitution. The first in the series addressed the allegation that the Constitution discriminated against women. In fact, as that essay showed, the framers took pains to...
Today in History: Missouri Compromise Signed as Law
Today in history, on March 6, 1820, a set of bills that came to be known as the “Missouri Compromise” were signed into law by United States President James Monroe. Initially seen as a gesture of conciliation between factions that would avert discord, the event...
Why recent attacks on the Constitution are wrong
Americans traditionally have revered their Constitution. As they should—if only because of the astounding success the United States has enjoyed under its governance. However, the Constitution always has had critics, particularly among those who believe the federal...