John Roche argued that the Constitution was a compromise of power between the state and the national governments. After the Revolutionary War, many people (anti-Federalists) supported states’ rights and a strong state government, while others (Federalists) believed in national rights and a more centralized federal government. It was difficult to appease all people when such strong opposing beliefs were involved, but the need to ensure that each state would actively participate in the new government was immense. The Framers were well aware of the challenges the country would surely face in the future, and they spent a great deal of time drafting the Constitution.

In his essay “A Reform Caucus in Action,” Roche writes that the Constitution was created by men who prioritized the importance of a democratic government over their own wealth and property: the document was intended to preserve the democracy that the colonists fought so hard for. Roche believed the Framers were willing to compromise their own interests and beliefs for the betterment of their country.

Roche considered the constitution a great compromise. It allowed each state to get its way. Each group whose interest was represented got something. For example, slaves were counted in the population, but not as a whole person. Another compromise was the Bill of Rights included as constitutional amendments.

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