Summary of the Farewell Address:
George Washington, after serving two terms as the President of the United States, decided to retire even though he would have continued to be the excellent leader he was. He decided to set the precedent of limiting the number of terms served as to not have the position of Presidency turn into that of Kingship. Also in the address, he did just as it says, addressed certain issues that should be corrected, avoided, or kept the same in the future. These included precedents that would be kept for generations and many other influential aspects of American History.
Washington starts out by warning the American citizens to keep the states unified, or independence will be lost. With this, he says that individuals need to be loyal to both the state AND the country, not just their town or section, as this would undermine the independence and unity of the country.
He also defends the newly made Constitution calling it better than the Articles of Confederation, and if followed, the country will be in good hands. And if at anytime the government is not solely providing for the people's needs and helping them out in the long run, they have the right to add amendments to the Constitution. he also declares that political factions and political parties are dangerous and should be avoided. Washington, being a strong believer in the Constitution further backs it up by saying that the systems of checks and balances and separation of power are beneficial.
This very strong address is filled with arguments about the importance of religion and money management. This would ensure prosperity in the politics of the country. Also important, is that the United States should remain neutral in European conflicts to ensure safety of liberty, but nevertheless, good relations should be kept with these countries. Washington also agreed with free trade with other nations.
He closes the document with saying that he apologizes for any mistakes and takes responsibility for his actions. He goes on to say he is content with being just a private American citizen living in the great country he and many others help to create.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
LAD #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality
Summary of The Proclamation:
There is wafare going on in Europe with many different countries including Great Britain and France, and becasue of this, the United States should maintain good relations with all involved, instead of picking one side. Washington warns the American citizens to not take sides, as it is in their best interest. Those who go against this stance of neutrality by the nation, will not be protected nor would the country back up the persons involved. In Philadelphia, on April 22, 1793, President George Washington set the precedent of staying neutral in European affairs, as to protect American independence and future.
There is wafare going on in Europe with many different countries including Great Britain and France, and becasue of this, the United States should maintain good relations with all involved, instead of picking one side. Washington warns the American citizens to not take sides, as it is in their best interest. Those who go against this stance of neutrality by the nation, will not be protected nor would the country back up the persons involved. In Philadelphia, on April 22, 1793, President George Washington set the precedent of staying neutral in European affairs, as to protect American independence and future.
LAD #5: Federalist #10
1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?
The only way to elimate them is to either take away citizens' liberties or make everyone feel exactly the same; same ideas, likes, beliefs, etc. This would be completely unfair and unjust to do, therefore factions cannot be taken away.
2. If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled?
Since taking away factions would undermine Americans, they can be controlled by con trolling the effects, because the cause cannot be controlled. A democracy cannot control a faction, but a republic can. This is becasue of the "delegation of government" and "the greater number of citizens, and greater shpere of country".
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
LAD #4 - Revolution Article
Five things I learned from "Rethinking the Revolution":
1. The duration of the Revolutionary War was longer than any other declared American war, lasting over 8 years. I did not know that it lasted so long nor that it was the longest war in American history.
2. While the Civil War had the most American casualties, because both sides were American, the Revolutionary War had a scary ratio of those killed to the total population with 30,000 dying in a population of 2.5 million. Compared to today, that would mean that of our 300 million American citizens, 3 million would have died, to be proportionally correct.
3. Many, including myself, had thought that the Revolutionary War was widespread throughout the colonies, but in fact, few of the colonists were affected by the war and the fighting was not all over the place. The only ones who were really affected were the soldiers and such.
4. Conditions were not also good, and in many cases they were plain awful. During the winters, men went without food or clothing, and in one extreme case, during the invasion of Canada, men were so hungry they ate their dogs, shoes, and candles.
5. Individual states took land from the Loyalists, Tories, or foreigners and sold it. Furthermore, certain Loyalists were banned from eight states who took these measures.
1. The duration of the Revolutionary War was longer than any other declared American war, lasting over 8 years. I did not know that it lasted so long nor that it was the longest war in American history.
2. While the Civil War had the most American casualties, because both sides were American, the Revolutionary War had a scary ratio of those killed to the total population with 30,000 dying in a population of 2.5 million. Compared to today, that would mean that of our 300 million American citizens, 3 million would have died, to be proportionally correct.
3. Many, including myself, had thought that the Revolutionary War was widespread throughout the colonies, but in fact, few of the colonists were affected by the war and the fighting was not all over the place. The only ones who were really affected were the soldiers and such.
4. Conditions were not also good, and in many cases they were plain awful. During the winters, men went without food or clothing, and in one extreme case, during the invasion of Canada, men were so hungry they ate their dogs, shoes, and candles.
5. Individual states took land from the Loyalists, Tories, or foreigners and sold it. Furthermore, certain Loyalists were banned from eight states who took these measures.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
LAD #3: Declaration of Independence
Summary of:
1. Democratic principles:
There are certain rights given to all people upon birth and no one; no king, parent, government, or leader, can take them away. The people have a lot of say in this new government, and help elect officials and leaders. And if these rulers and politicians do not help the people, they will be removed from office and replaced in order to ensure security and equality for the people.
2.List a handful of grievances:
King George was accused of negatively affecting the rights of the people, not allowing elections for new or different officials, and made the officials in government submit to his will and not let their idividual opinions stray from his. He has also passed different acts, and infringed on the rights of his people without their consent, kept armies and troops even in times of peace, and so many other grievances that hurt the colonists.
3. The conclusion:
The colonists signed this document declaring that they are no longer colonies of Britian, but rather "free and independent states." They would get along with Britain when needed such as times of peace, but were ready to stand up for themselves and fight the British in war. This document also declares that the cut of ties from Britain, no longer a colony or territory, but a free state that could form their own government, laws, and make their own actions as an independent country, officially establishing the United States of America.
1. Democratic principles:
There are certain rights given to all people upon birth and no one; no king, parent, government, or leader, can take them away. The people have a lot of say in this new government, and help elect officials and leaders. And if these rulers and politicians do not help the people, they will be removed from office and replaced in order to ensure security and equality for the people.
2.List a handful of grievances:
King George was accused of negatively affecting the rights of the people, not allowing elections for new or different officials, and made the officials in government submit to his will and not let their idividual opinions stray from his. He has also passed different acts, and infringed on the rights of his people without their consent, kept armies and troops even in times of peace, and so many other grievances that hurt the colonists.
3. The conclusion:
The colonists signed this document declaring that they are no longer colonies of Britian, but rather "free and independent states." They would get along with Britain when needed such as times of peace, but were ready to stand up for themselves and fight the British in war. This document also declares that the cut of ties from Britain, no longer a colony or territory, but a free state that could form their own government, laws, and make their own actions as an independent country, officially establishing the United States of America.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
LAD #2: John Peter Zenger
1. Who was John Peter Zenger?
Was a German emigrant and the printer of the New York Magazine, the New York Weekly Journal, in the early 1700s. He was put thrown in jail and on trial by Governor William Cosby for printing things in his magazine that the Governor did not like, such as criticizing him.
2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense.
Zenger wrote about the royal Governor, William Cosby, in his magazine, criticizing him for his actions in prosecuting the iterim Governor, and even removing a cheif justice. Hamilton spoke directly to the jury, presenting his case to them. He said that although the articles were harsh, they were true and this means that Zenger should not be charged with libel. When the jury left to make their final decision, no time was wasted andthey re-entered the courtroom no more than fifteen minutes later with the verdict of not guilty.
3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradtion?
This case set the example to follow of being rational and not tyrannical in libel cases, such as this one. It also showed that the courts would stand up for the liberties granted to the citizens of America.
4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain.
The lasting significance is the affirmation of the freedom of press. This case guaranteed that the freedoms declared in many documents in American History were in fact true and backed up with evidence and the judicial courts as well.
Was a German emigrant and the printer of the New York Magazine, the New York Weekly Journal, in the early 1700s. He was put thrown in jail and on trial by Governor William Cosby for printing things in his magazine that the Governor did not like, such as criticizing him.
2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense.
Zenger wrote about the royal Governor, William Cosby, in his magazine, criticizing him for his actions in prosecuting the iterim Governor, and even removing a cheif justice. Hamilton spoke directly to the jury, presenting his case to them. He said that although the articles were harsh, they were true and this means that Zenger should not be charged with libel. When the jury left to make their final decision, no time was wasted andthey re-entered the courtroom no more than fifteen minutes later with the verdict of not guilty.
3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradtion?
This case set the example to follow of being rational and not tyrannical in libel cases, such as this one. It also showed that the courts would stand up for the liberties granted to the citizens of America.
4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain.
The lasting significance is the affirmation of the freedom of press. This case guaranteed that the freedoms declared in many documents in American History were in fact true and backed up with evidence and the judicial courts as well.
LAD #1 Mayflower Compact & Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
1. What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?
The basics of a civilization, that there would be meetings to create laws and discuss life. It also officially declares the creation of the new colony and briefly explains the beliefs and ideals of the new colony, such as equality, and that laws would be created that are just, as well as that meetings of the people would take place when needed.
2. How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?
The "Old" World is represented because the Compact says that the pilgrims are still devoted and under the rule of the English King James. But it also shows the "New" world by first off leaving England and second creating new laws such as being equal and meetings as a group to discuss life and issues within the colony.
3. How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?
The Fundamental Orders is much longer and more specific, upon first reading, I thought that I had the wrong article for the Mayflower Compact becasue it was so short and had a long list of names at the end. Specifically, the Orders set up the frame of Government, down to the little details such as term length, elections, gave more voting rights, and specific responsibilities, while the Mayflower Compact was basically an agreement saying that this was an officila colony and that they would meet, create laws, and be fair.
4. What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?
The colonists wanted order and the laws written out. The article said, "...where a people are gathered together the word of God requires that to maintain the peace and union of such a people there should be an orderly and decent Government established according to God..." This quote as well as many other parts of the article show that part of the reason the colonists chose to create this document was in their faith and commitment to God and living a good life with rules and laws dictating it.
5. In what significant way(s) does the Fundamental Orders reflect a fear of and safeguard against the usurping of power by one person or a chosen few?
The Fndamental Orders keeps referring to God, so they are clearly a religious people who want God's protection; but on top of this, and more importantly, there is, in a way, a system of checks and balances on the Secretary, Governor, Magistrates, the two Genereal Assemblies, and really everyone in politics. Meaning, in this case, that there are limits on the length of the term each serves, who does each task, and who would react if said person was not fulfilling their deeds, on top of their other duties.
The basics of a civilization, that there would be meetings to create laws and discuss life. It also officially declares the creation of the new colony and briefly explains the beliefs and ideals of the new colony, such as equality, and that laws would be created that are just, as well as that meetings of the people would take place when needed.
2. How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?
The "Old" World is represented because the Compact says that the pilgrims are still devoted and under the rule of the English King James. But it also shows the "New" world by first off leaving England and second creating new laws such as being equal and meetings as a group to discuss life and issues within the colony.
3. How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?
The Fundamental Orders is much longer and more specific, upon first reading, I thought that I had the wrong article for the Mayflower Compact becasue it was so short and had a long list of names at the end. Specifically, the Orders set up the frame of Government, down to the little details such as term length, elections, gave more voting rights, and specific responsibilities, while the Mayflower Compact was basically an agreement saying that this was an officila colony and that they would meet, create laws, and be fair.
4. What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?
The colonists wanted order and the laws written out. The article said, "...where a people are gathered together the word of God requires that to maintain the peace and union of such a people there should be an orderly and decent Government established according to God..." This quote as well as many other parts of the article show that part of the reason the colonists chose to create this document was in their faith and commitment to God and living a good life with rules and laws dictating it.
5. In what significant way(s) does the Fundamental Orders reflect a fear of and safeguard against the usurping of power by one person or a chosen few?
The Fndamental Orders keeps referring to God, so they are clearly a religious people who want God's protection; but on top of this, and more importantly, there is, in a way, a system of checks and balances on the Secretary, Governor, Magistrates, the two Genereal Assemblies, and really everyone in politics. Meaning, in this case, that there are limits on the length of the term each serves, who does each task, and who would react if said person was not fulfilling their deeds, on top of their other duties.
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