A Brilliant Solution Essay

Many stirring events occurred in the history of 18th century America. Following the American Revolution, citizens were free from British rule. The only worry left was how to be an independent nation. With the corrupt government lead by the Articles of Confederation, inflation of economy due to debts of war, and divided, disunited people of the states and state principles, there was a lot of work to be done in America. Delegates of each state recognized a need for change, and took a risk to form the national convention. After months of debating, the Constitution and Bill of Rights became a stepping stone to success within the United States. Carol Berkin demonstrates that although the delegates tried to protect the federal government and the nation, they were actually greedy; craving for power.
Carol Berkin reveals a negative perspective on the founding fathers in A Brilliant Solution, chapter 3, “A Gathering of Demigods”. She described the East Room as “filled with middle-aged men of wealth, education, and political experience,” disclosing then that the “collective profile hides as much as it reveals.” (Chapter 3, Pg. 50). Clearly, her intentions are to show that the founding fathers weren’t actually heroes. Although Berkin focuses on dissecting the characters that represent the new found government, there is a hidden message. The unseen reason for the convention contradicted the purpose presented. Politicians plainly wanted to protect their wealth and political status. Hence, they generated a government through bias judgment. As a result to the Bill of Rights, only one amendment was dedicated to the pleasures of the states.
In chapter 6, “Debating the Presidency Once Again,” Berkin continues describing another general contradiction to fair administration, specifically in the executive branch. “…people’s guardian against legislative hubris.” (Chapter 6, Pg. 120) Berkin exemplified the debates that were presented to create a government which avoids abuse of power. However, in various stages of agreement, they restricted citizens’ power. The beginning of the fancy toward an Electoral College was exhibited and basically accounted for the “election by the people, either directly or through electors.” (Pg. 121). The convention held confidentiality when recreating the government, which limited the voice of the nation’s people, obscuring the desired principles of government. It was known as an “organized group that draws together men…to control the outcome.” (Pg. 122). As a result, “normal” citizens were given less attention. Through the mentality of the delegates “…to let the people select was…to ask a blind man to make a color choice.” (Pg.126). The paranoia of the delegates thus resulted in the formation of an unjust government that failed to accurately represent the popular will. The unseen reason for the convention contradicted the purpose presented. Politicians plainly wanted to protect their wealth and political status. Hence, they generated a government through bias judgment. As an example and end result to the Bill of Rights, only one amendment was dedicated to the pleasures of the states.
The calamity behind our nation’s Constitution is by cause of the duplicitous sentiments of the members in the convention. Through their success, they tried to hide alter egos that reflected conspiracy in government. Fights over power between branches in management, population in states, and over privileges given to each section illustrated the poor awareness the founding fathers had in the ability to help the citizens less accomplished than them. The United States faces these same struggles today. The incredible imbalance of power drives us further and further away from the society we’d love to call “democratic”.