American History Homework Four Answers - Student One

StevenM

1\. The Revolution of 1800 was a bloodless revolution. It was, in fact, the first major shift of power in a nation in modern times. The Federalist party was ousted and the Democratic-Republican party was now in charge.

Thomas Jefferson, who led the Democratic-Republican Party, was elected to the White House in 1800. This was a change from the loose-constructionist views, to the strict-constructionist views.

Excellent.

2\. Yes I would have approved it. Although it is desirable to follow the Constitution as closely as possible, it is not the Bible: under certain circumstances an president or some other government official maybe obliged to act outside that for which the Constitution provides. In this case, I don't believe anyone had the forethought to conceive methods for buying new territory. The president is as qualified as anyone.

Also, back then the Constitution was new. Perhaps because the men who wrote it were still alive, and still in power, taking a bit of liberty with it would be allowed. I'm not saying the Constitution is evolving, but right after a house is finished and the occupants move in is when the most projects need to be done. There were one or two things they forgot to put in the Constitution, and its best that they took care of them while it was still new. No one today can take liberty with the Constitution, or read between the lines, they weren't around when it was written.

Superb answer that deserves to be in the model answers!

3\. The War of 1812 was ultimately caused by the Revolutionary War. Madison, perhaps, was the primary instigator. He was a good thinker, but not very decisive. When some in Congress were angry at England for causing Indians to attack us, or for pirating our merchant vessels, Madison did not step very lightly. There were not many other options, however; Madison should have just declared war outright instead of tip-toeing around on the British's toes.

Excellent analysis, though declaring war outright may caused us to be defeated outright!

4\. During the Monroe Administration, the Missouri compromise was made which saved the U.S. from a heap of future disputes about slavery. The free State of Maine was created when the Senate was evenly balanced, to counter the new slave state Missouri. Monroe managed to keep the North and South balanced and provided for it to stay that way when more new states were made. Above a certain latitude the states would be made free, below it, the would be slave.

Superb.

5\. Jacksonian Democracy is when the lower- and middle-classes support the president, and the upper-classes hate him. This is because the Jackson was of "the common man," and people generally think the common man will have their interests at heart.

Superb.

6\. The Marshall Court, in most of its major cases, expanded Federal authority. The constitution received more power, federal banks were established, state laws were invalidated, and Indians were shunned from Georgia. The Marshall court accomplished much for the furtherance of National Government.

Good.

7\. John Bull is supposed to be Great Britain. the Lady with the American flag is the U.S. that weird, badger-looking thing is actually a brown bear which is what Bruin means. It represents Russia.

So this cartoon is the Treaty of Ghent, which the Czar mediated. Probably from 1814–15 and I would think that it was written by an American because John Bull is begging for mercy, while Britain, even after Jackson's great victory, was hardly reeling. A very patriotic viewpoint on the part of the cartoonist, but I feel it is in bad taste. The British chose to stop the fighting.

Superb analysis, but I don't think the bull is begging for mercy. Well, I looked again, you may be right! Excellent.

H3. Is it wrong for a politician to cut a deal with another politician like the "corrupt bargain" between Adams and Clay? Compromise is common in politics. If politicians never made deals very little would be accomplished. But bargains quickly become dishonest when men exclude a particular man or group to overcome him. During an election it is not moral to cut a deal in order to cause an outcome that the people voted against.

Terrific, again. Should be in the model answers.

H4. In the North, tariffs were desired to protect the industries from foreign competition. In the South, tariffs

Incomplete. (Minus 2)

H5.

Need to work harder on meeting deadlines!

Much improved, with terrific answers. Score: 88/90.--Aschlafly 18:34, 9 October 2008 (EDT)