Secrecy of the constitution?

[ktimekiller]

I am reading my history text book for my american government class, and the book states that the 55 creators of the original constitution had to keep it a secret, but the book doesnt explain why.

Can someone explain? Also, when did they reveal it? the book doesnt go into detail about that particular thing

 

[lefty]

You're sure you're thinking of the constitution, and not the declaration of independance? I get them a bit confused sometimes.

 

[Minister]

Spoiler

It is difficult to discuss whether the Peace Settlement was a triumph for Britain as the settlement was concluded from a compromise, where everybody will be dissatisfied with certain areas.
One definite triumph for Britain was the reduction of the German Navy and abolishment of its air force. Being and island, these were Britain?s main concerns over future attacks, whilst countries such as France were more concerned about the German army. Lloyd George and the Americans both wished to destroy the German tradition of conscription, whilst Foch argued a professional army would be far more dangerous. Despite this, by March Foch had been overruled and Germany?s army was reduced to 100,000, her air force was abolished and navy reduced to an insignificant size compared to that of Britain.
Lloyd George was also demanding high reparation prices, to make sure that Britain got a large cut of the money. He knew that France in particular would receive a hefty amount due to the massive damage it was dealt during the war. The British delegation constantly raised its reparation demands, justifying them with the argument that the more money taken would stop Germany from investing money in its army. Lloyd George made sure that war pensions were included in the reparations to safeguard Britain?s right to a wedge of the money. It was not until December 1919 that Britain and France agreed on the ratio 25:55 respectively as the percentage of the total reparations.
However, it can also be said that the Versailles Peace Settlement was not a triumph for Britain. Even though Britain had been demanding high reparations, they also sought after a stable and peaceful Germany that would not seek revenge. After such a devastating war, the idea of a repeat was constantly in the minds of all the delegates at the conference. Britain wanted to revitalise trade with Germany and make sure that Germany was stable enough to continue trading. After the reduction of the German military, France became noticeably more dominant in Europe, Britain disliked this and wanted to restore the balance of power in Europe to hopefully prevent future conflict. With communism growing in Russia, Britain needed Germany to be in the condition to stop it spreading West. However, due to the settlement Germany was weakened severely, both militarily and economically, therefore rendering them unable to fulfil these roles.
David Lloyd George was also against Wilson?s 14 points, he thought of them as being far too unrealistic and an idealistic way of solving the problems in Europe. However, in the peace settlement many of these points were taken into account and often provided basis for debates and subjects that were almost impossible to resolve. An example of this was the point about self determination, whenever it was used it often contradicted itself. Even though David Lloyd George had his reservations about the 14 points, they were still used.
In conclusion to this, it can be said that the peace settlement of 1919 was not a triumph for Britain. Even though they managed to secure short term payments, they realised their long term goals of peace and stability in Europe had been destroyed.

I think that answers your question.

 

[ktimekiller]

thats ww1, i dont see how it relates

 

[MJ12]

I am reading my history text book for my american government class, and the book states that the 55 creators of the original constitution had to keep it a secret, but the book doesnt explain why.

Can someone explain? Also, when did they reveal it? the book doesnt go into detail about that particular thing

league of extraordinary gentlemen

 

[Raziaar]

Hey baby!

 

[staticprimer]

The creators of the constitution kept it a secret until close to the end because writing it was technically treason under the Articles of Confederation, and they could have been arrested and/or executed.

 

[Deadpan]

The creators of the constitution kept it a secret until close to the end because writing it was technically treason under the Articles of Confederation, and they could have been arrested and/or executed.

Wouldn't THAT have been funny.

 

[theotherguy]

The creators of the constitution kept it a secret until close to the end because writing it was technically treason under the Articles of Confederation, and they could have been arrested and/or executed.

Bingo. At that time the US was under a different constitution, so writing the new one meant treason and conspiracy against the government. The writing of the constitution was essentially a second American Revolution.

 

[ktimekiller]

thanks

 

[GhostValkyrie]

I'm surprised they still let students read about the constitution. I guess King George missed that one. Don't worry, McCain or Obama will make sure that changes soon.

 

[Tagaziel]

Bingo. At that time the US was under a different constitution, so writing the new one meant treason and conspiracy against the government. The writing of the constitution was essentially a second American Revolution.

HAHAHAHAHA, oh lol.

America's weirder than I thought, and that's something.

 

[staticprimer]

If you think that's weird, read the Articles of Confederation. Now that was lol worthy.

 

[DEATH eVADER]

Have you got a link?

 

[theotherguy]

Have you got a link?

Well, it involved such brilliant laws as:
1. there will be no executive.
2. Congress is funded by donations.
3. Congress is not allowed to levee taxes.
4. No army.
5. No common currency.
6. No common trade laws.
7. No inter-state court.
8. Votes require 2/3rds of congress to pass.

Basically it led to the states breaking away from one another and forming mini-sovereigns. Congress would make laws that were not enforced, and disputes over trade led to the states building up armies to threaten each other.

 

[VirusType2]

Well, it involved such brilliant laws as:
1. there will be no executive.
2. Congress is funded by donations.
3. Congress is not allowed to levee taxes.
4. No army.
5. No common currency.
6. No common trade laws.
7. No inter-state court.
8. Votes require 2/3rds of congress to pass.

Basically it led to the states breaking away from one another and forming mini-sovereigns. Congress would make laws that were not enforced, and disputes over trade led to the states building up armies to threaten each other.

Holy crap, that is a recipe for failure.

Also lol that they thought it was a good idea. It seems like a list of all of the bad ideas one could come up with.