Discourse analysis of the U.S. Constitution

This study evaluates the historical circumstances that lead to Shays Rebellion in order to understand power dynamics in United Stated Constitutional history. Within a Foucauldian framework, the method used is a genealogy and discourse analysis of Shays Rebellion. This study compared the subjugated story with the story given as "truth" and the retelling of Shays Rebellion in a widely used high school textbook. This research found that there were methods of democracy for economically struggling people previous to the U. S. Constitution that are uncommon today. This study also found the tactics which Michel Foucault names "regimes of truth" and "divisive practices" were used to oppress economically struggling people.