Was the Constitution An Economic Document? by Henry Steele Commager

Beard offers a view of the US Constitution that is perhaps different from anyone writing as his contemporary.  Ultimately, Beard asserts the Constitution can be understood through an economic lens and this is the approach through which to interpret the intent and goals of the delegates at the Constitutional Convention.  While pointing to the role of property in making constitutional decisions, Beard asserts that the delegates were concerned and driven predominantly by protecting their economic interests.  However, Commager challenges this perspective by asserting the document was ultimately a political and not an economic document.  Comparing both writings along with the writings of other primary sources provides students the chance to evaluate and analysis each perspective.