American History Homework Three Answers - Student 31

Joseph M.

American History Homework Three Instructor: Andy Schlafly Read the lecture and then answer the following questions:

1. Identify two weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

The two greatest weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation were financial problems: the excess printing of paper money that lead to sudden inflation, and then deflation when the money became worthless. The foreign policy was another big weakness,because the government was not centralized. Every state pretty much did what it pleased and there was no real attempt at national foreign policy.

Good, but the first problem does not seem directly due to the Articles of Confederation. Or it if is, you could explain the link better. The national government under the Constitution can cause inflation also.

2. Identify the first three Articles of the Constitution, and what each Article establishes.

Article I establishes how Congress will be laid out and the powers of the congress. Article II establishes the powers and limitations of the president, and Article III establishes how the judiciary system is laid out.

Good.

3. Explain what you like most about George Washington.

What I like most about George Washington was that when he was president he tried to resolve matters as peacefully as possible. For instance, in the case of Edmond Genet, instead of throwing him in jail (although he was publicly disobeying George Washington’s orders), or sending him back to France (where undoubtedly he would have died by the guillotine), Washington granted him asylum in the United States. Then Genet settled down and eventually married the daughter of Governor of New York. Similarly in the whiskey rebellion when the farmers of western Pennsylvania revolted because of the tax on corn whiskey, Washington himself resolved the issue without spilling a single drop of blood.

Excellent!

4. Describe the most important invention of the 1790s, and its political impact.

The cotton gin was the most important invention of the 1790s. It was a machine that separated the cotton from the seeds and the branches, dramatically decreasing the time it took to produce cotton. The political effect of this machine was that it turned the South into the cotton capital of the world, thus greatly increasing the economic power of the South leading the South to the point where it thought it was unbeatable.

Superb.

5. Explain the political view expressed by this week's cartoon, and which side of what issue the cartoonist likely represents.

I think that the issue that this cartoon represents is the ratification of the Constitution by the states. Each of the pillars represents a state, and with every state that ratifies the Constitution the “federal superstructure” is nearer to being completed. I believe that the cartoonist was a federalist as he presents federalism in a very favorable light.

Good explanation, but also mention the state of Massachusetts and its role.

6. Describe two significant achievements of The Northwest Ordinance.

I think that the two most significant achievements of The Northwest Ordinance were laying out the requirements for becoming a state, and establishing that the government cannot take your land away without compensating you.

Good, could add a bit more detail.

7.Describe what you think was most significant about John Adams' presidency. What I think was most significant about the presidency of John Adams was the Alien and Sedition Act, in which you could not criticize high ranking officials in the government, and gave the President the power to expel immigrants from the country. This act violated the First Amendment, and received a lot of fire from the Democrat-Republican party led by Jefferson and Madison, who wrote resolutions strongly urging the states to nullify this act thus invoking state sovereignty.

The resolutions were also passed by the states. Good analysis otherwise.

Honors Questions These questions require answers that are a bit longer than the answers above. Answer three out of the following questions (in addition to the questions above):

H1. Explain how George Washington's Farewell Address is relevant today.

I think that George Washington’s farewell address is still very relevant today and I think that the most important thing that he said was that you must have a religious and moral society in order to have a prosperous society. I think that those are very valuable words of wisdom. That will always be relevant.

Superb.

H2. Do you think the Anti-Federalists had some good points? Explain.

I do believe that the Anti-Federalists had some good points, such as when as they were opposing the ratification of the Constitution unless there was a Bill of Rights. I think they were right, because without the Bill of Rights there would be guarantee of freedom of speech, or freedom of religion

Excellent.

H3. Describe the response of Jefferson and Madison to the Alien & Sedition Acts. Do you agree with their approach?

 When John Adams attempted to enact the Aliens and Sedition Acts, the Democrat-Republican party, headed by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, responded by writing a resolution to nullify the law.  I think that this was probably the best way for them to do it because it was very peaceful and it worked for everyone (except John Adams).

Well done.

Excellent answers! Score: 99/100.--Aschlafly 18:57, 4 October 2008 (EDT)