Influence in shaping new Constitution

Henry Knox writing to Benjamin Lincoln discussing the proceedings with the new Constitution

   After finally gathering up all the representatives from each of the states along with other delegates, the Constitutional Convention began in May of 1787. After years of living and operating through a sub par government system, the founding fathers agreed that it was time to make a change. Shown to the side is a document from Henry Knox written to Benjamin Lincoln. In the letter he exclaims his excitement and is pleased with the Document being so well received. He then goes on to mention what one of the reasons might be for why creating a document this time might have been different. It was written “The insurrections of Massachusetts, and the opposition to the impost by New York, have been the corrosive means of rousing America to an attention to her liberties.” ⁷ Even living in the present moment, nearly everyone understood the effect that the Massachusetts riots had on the minds of all people. The violence stirred a whole generation to their feet and demanded action. 

   Many leaders of the time had shown outright support for a stronger government already at this time but the rest who had been left behind quickly jumped upon the wagon and held on tightly. Charles CoatesWorth Pickney from South Carolina emphasised the importance of a strong force by exaggerating the danger of Shay's rebellion. He was recorded saying how the militia had performed poorly in their Massachusetes defence and that he had “Scant faith” in the militias of any states. His firm view was even more clearly displayed when he wrote “There must be a real military force… The United States has been making an experiment without it, and we see the consequences in their rapid approaches to anarchy.” ⁸ This was not just the opinion or a radical nobody. Pickney was a well respected statesman and a leader in the nationalist party who assisted in the writing of the Constitution and his signature can be found on the last portion. In fact a majority of founders who were in favor of a stronger government frequently referred to and referenced the rebellions as a sort of necessary precaution. 

   It is made evident that during the process of the writing of the Constitution, they kept the thought of power and prevented more uprisings at the forefront of their minds. There are many specific examples widely spread throughout the document. Firstly the United states is given the power to create a standing army in Article 1, Section 8. As well another clause provides that congress is granted the authority to "provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections, and repel Invasions." This is a direct reference to the insurgence that had preceded this congregation months earlier. To add onto that in Article 4, Section 4, there is a guarantee clause that promises every state a sort of protection through national guard or army from domestic threats if the governor requests aid. This allows states to handle things on their own and prevent central government overreach but also allows for the release valve of aid in force if things get out of hand. Finally, you can make an argument that the second amendment as a whole was possibly created with the idea of keeping movements like shays rebellion under control. It speaks on having easily accessible militias ready to go and allowing for the constant access to arms at all times.