Homework Three Answers - Student Twelve

Johnny W.

1\. Identify two of the biggest weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

I think the two biggest weaknesses of the Articles, were:

a) The Articles of Confederation required a vote of 9 out of 13 in order to pass a law instead of a majority vote. Also unanimous approval was required to amend the Articles. The Founding Fathers(those who were still alive) knew this would pose a problem. .

b) The Articles of Confederation made it almost impossible for an organized U.S. to speak with one voice in foreign affairs. In the 1780's America was having major problems with Spain and England due to the Articles policy on foreign affairs. Therefore, as a result the U.S. leaders wrote up the U.S. Constitution to take the place of the Articles of Confederation.

Excellent, could become a model answer.

2\. Other than George Washington, who do you think was the most influential Founding Father?

I think that other than George Washington, the most influential Founding Father was Benjamin Franklin, because he always gave Congress good, sensible, Christian counsel. He reminded them of their dependance on God at the Constitutional Convention.

Franklin was influential, but I wouldn't rank him as the "most" influential and you don't give evidence of his having a great influence. (Minus 1) (Also, note spelling: "dependence", not "dependance")

4\. Give an example of George Washington's leadership. Explain.

I think that a good example of George Washington's leadership is the way that he handled the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794. Some Whiskey sellers' were protesting (by “protesting” I mean almost an armed revolt) high taxes on whiskey. Washington told the Governor of Pennsylvania to put an end to the unrest or else he would. The Governor refused to do anything, so Washington mounted his horse and led an army of mainly volunteers to Pennsylvania. The rebels then gave up without a fight.

Superb.

5\. “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion, and morality are indispensable supports.” From where is that quote taken, and what does it mean to you?

This quote is taken from Washington's farewell speech. To me it means that a country cannot prosper without religion(God), and morality(doing what's right, which essentially means following the 10 Commandments ).

Excellent again.

7\. President John Adams was president for only one term. Why?

John Adams was president for only one term because he was:

a)hopeless when it came to foreign policy (e.g. the “XYZ affair”),

b)an argumentative person( I guess that comes from being a lawyer),

c)he tried to make it illegal to criticize him( Alien and Sedition act).

Terrific answer, which could become a model answer.

8\. Debate: Is debtor's prison wrong?

It depends on the circumstances. If the person in debt has the ability to pay then of course he must and logically should do because morally it is the right thing to do. However, if the person has no means to pay then morally it would be the wrong thing for the debtor to have to go to prison and logically in that case it makes sense for the person to stay out of prison and then find a means to pay by searching for work,etc.

Good answer.

H1. Would you have been an Anti-federalist with respect to the Constitution? Discuss.

I think I would have been somewhere between an Anti-federalist and a Federalist. I am in favor of a strong Federal Government, however I also do think the states must retain a large amount of power or the Federal Government could get out of control.

Excellent.

H4. What would you have done differently if you served as a early President of the United States?

If I had been an early President of the United States, my priority would have been to improve our military and naval forces. My reasons are:

a) To provide protection from pirates (America did not have enough money to bribe or fight the pirates),

b)To maintain the land that was rightfully theirs (Britain still had forts in the U.S.).

Terrific, could become a model answer.

H5. Debate: Should the President be required to turn documents over to Congress?

Yes, the President should be required to turn documents over to Congress. However there must be an oath of confidentiality to not release information to the media.

Well done.

Grade: 89/90. Excellent work, among the best in the class!--Andy Schlafly 14:40, 27 February 2011 (EST)