Aristotle and the signing of the constitution 

1.  How might Aristotle have responded to the painting by Howard Chandler Christy of the signing of the Constitution of the United States (p. 57)?

- Aristotle would have enjoyed the painting. It relates to Aristotle's representation of democracy in which everyone votes, and has equal rights. He also would have liked seeing the different representatives of each state. This painting represents many different people coming together equally. 

2.How many different "elements" of society are represented in this painting?

- George Washington stands firmly in the lime light, because he is the president. The cabinet ( Franklin and Hamilton) stands behind  him, because they are his followers. Congressmen and the house  of representatives stand before him representing their state.  Last, but not least, the common folk stand in the background representing that they are just as equal as the higher parts. 

3. Would Aristotle have assumed that the government being formed was a democracy or an oligarchy? Why or Why not?

- Since Aristotle was more supportive of a democracy, he would most likely assume that the government formed was a democracy. He supported a government that doesn't let the ruler have too much power, and let people have equal rights. This is what the constitution stands for.

4. Research the men who signed the Constitution. How well did they represent the elements of society of the newly formed country?

- The men who signed the constitution were mostly commoners excersizing their right to consent the governed. Others, such as the president, cabinet, congressmen, and house represented the Government itself, and how it supported peoples rights and freedom. 

5. Read Tocqueville, “Government by Democracy in America,”. Compare this reading to that of Aristotle's reading.

- In Tocqueville's "Government by Democracy in America" he is traveling to america from France to evaluate our new government. Aristotle was also evaluating government.  They both believe in a Democracy, and that power and equality should be given to the people. however, Tocqueville believes that more power should be given to the executive rather than legislative branch.