History U.S. 1 Midterm
Each question is worth one point unless otherwise indicated. 1. The historical record for any civilization to a large extent depends on "Push" and "Pull" factors from one region to another. To what effect did the views of Luther have on early American immigrants? Lutheran ideas began emerging in Eastern Europe. Once established, many converted to Lutheran due to the corruption of the Catholic Church. This mass conversion scared many European powers that remained Catholic. Holy wars began sprouting up, and persecution began. Many people within these countries chose to flee to America. Push factors began emerging due to the wars. Religious tension brought about inquisitions; wars required men, which meant young men would be drafted and most likely die for a cause they didn't believe in; and some new converts were being threatened with harm if they didn't leave. America became the next logical choice for the refugees. Being called "the land of opportunity," masses flocked to America. Some arrived in America because they were dodging the draft, others because they didn't want to participate in the religious conflict. And still others who saw several new sprouting colonies as a haven for those of a particular faith. 2. In conjunction with the pronouncement of Luther that was beginning to make its way into Western Europe, John Locke's views also started to affect peoples' political perspective. What was his political perspective? (2 points)
John Locke is what is referred to as a political philosopher. Building upon the ideas of those before him, such as Aristotle and Thomas Equinis, he adapted their ideas to what he believed. Locke believed that all man had certain unalienable rights. These naturally occurring rights are the right to life, the right to liberty, and the right to property. To protect these rights, men created government. The government is in theory binded by a social contract with the public, to rule by consent. Locke's major contribution was his second treatise of government. In this treatise, said the government didn't have the power to invade on natural rights. If it does, it is justifiable to overthrow that government. This rationale justified the American Revolution in the colonists' eyes. 3. Europe's focus upon North American essentially involved four European powers, each motivated by the concept of international mercantilism. Identify the five competing countries. Following America's accidental discovery, all European super powers wanted a piece of the action. Portugal was a big contender in the early years. Its seized gold from the American empires would make it the wealthiest nation, and thus most powerful nation. This wealth led to more powerful armies, and thus more competition in America and in Europe. Spain was on the heels of Portugal in the Americas. Marrying its rulers to Portugal's, their empires merged. Thus their expansion in America merged as well. The newly formed Spain sought gold and new crops, forcing the native population to labor on their farms or mines. By subjugating the natives, they had a fresh supply of free labor readily available.
England was one of the last to secure a foothold in America. So to obtain more and better land, they frequently went to war with rival European powers. In the end, because of their mercantilist system, England had the financing to overpower any European power. Unlike other powers that tried to subjugate or convert the Indians, the English seeked only to push them out. France established only a small number of colonies. They generally had fewer immigrants to America because the crown wanted a fresh supply of men to draft into wars at home. Though their numbers remained slightly small compared to Spain or England, they established a rich trading network with the Indians. This success was due in part because they let the native peoples keep their values and land, thus the Indians were more inclined to do trade with the French. Holland emerged as a large marketing nation. Establishing only a few colonies in North America, they followed France's lead in establishing an extensive trade network. Because these Dutch settlements weren't as profitable as the West Indies sugar colonies, they were neglected when rival European powers would engage in hostilities. These rival powers would all contribute to the melting pot of America. Pieces from many European civilizations found their way to America, and were incorporated into the American way of life. 4. Four essential economic principles of the concept of mercantilism are. At some point, monarchies started to realize that overtaxing the public would only lead to unrest or even revolt. But the monarchs and governments still needed wealth to support their infrastructure. Wars and colonization required vast amounts of gold to fund. Thus the idea of mercantilism came around. The idea of mercantilism is that a country exports more than it imports. Thereby keeping most of the wealth within the country. To
do this, the country needs a strong industrial complex. By making goods at home rather than shipping them in, this cuts down on imports. The entire idea of Mercantilism revolves around making money. Empires needed to fund their troops, and protect their lands. Because of the mutual relationship between Kings and the church via divine right of kings, many wars were born. In exchange for the divine right to rule, monarchies would repeatedly go to war for the Church's power. 5. In order for American to come into existence, cultural fusion had to take place between competing groups. A key to this process is the conversion between royal charters and preparatory charters. Discuss the structure of each. During the colonization of America, emerging states could be viewed as two types of charters. Some were royal charters, others were corporate charters. Royal charters were established or taken over by the King's control. The king or his officials would appoint governors to rule over the colonies under royal control. This has two different aspects. The first is that the colonists are in a British colony, thus under British law. They have to adhere to all laws stemming from England. But because they are a British colony, they can enjoy British military protection. Corporate charters, otherwise known as preparatory charters, were established by private corporations or by men of great wealth and privilege. They didn't have British appointed officials, and thus had to develop a form of self government in each colony. Because they didn't enjoy Britain's military protection, they had to develop their own fighting forces to deal with Indians or marauding European powers. But corporate and royal charters had a common bond. Living together in the same country, they faced the same hardships imposed by the British taxes. United under this common bond, they realized they had to work together to overthrow their rulers.
6. Some of the techniques used by the governing elite in the southern colonies to attract immigrants are referred to as? Because of the harsh way of life in the southern colonies, the governing elite had to develop new ways to attract settles to work the land. One way was the benefits of indentured servitude. Luring prospective settlers with promises of land and money, they brought many a man to toil on their property. Generally white men when freed would reenlist themselves because they couldn't afford to buy property. Thus the vicious cycle of servitude began. In some colonies there was the Head Rights system, which was a land acquisition scheme. In this system, male heads of households could purchase land, claim it as their own, and do whatever they pleased with it. The owners had to pay a tax, but they generally weren't collected due to a lack of officials. Owning land was something middle and lower class families in England only dreamed of. To obtain that goal, they had to come to America. Not everyone enjoyed the same life, but America proved to be the land of opportunity for many immigrants. 7. Four of the key constructs used by Virginia and Maryland. Colonies were established by different means and leaders. For example, the colony of Virginia was established by the Virginia Trading Company, while Maryland was founded by Lord Baltimore. Being established by a private corporation, Virginia's main motive was profit. Because it wasn't established by a royal authority, people could worship as they pleased since there was no established religion. Planting tobacco, they hooked Europe on its addictive nicotine. In the early years, the Head Rights system was used to attract immigrants. Indentured servants would contract themselves, and when their time was up, would buy their parcel of land under the
Head Rights system. However, following Bacon's rebellion, slaves were brought in to replace white labor. Even though Maryland was founded by an aristocrat, it shared some of the same characteristics with Virginia. Being called "a haven for Catholics," people of persecuted religions could come and pray as they please. But of course to make the colony thrive, they had to plant a crop. Tobacco was chosen, and Maryland soon became as profitable as Virginia. Using the Head Rights system, they attracted not only land craving whites, but also immigrants of persecuted faith due to its proclamation of a "religious haven." Even though Bacon's rebellion occurred in Virginia, it scared many colonies. Forsaking white indentured labor, Maryland too started importing slaves. As shown, Virginia and Maryland were established by very different peoples and motives. But because they wanted to thrive, they mirrored each other to better attract settles. These similarities show how a royal charter and corporate charter came to fuse under the oppression of Britain. 8. The Massachusetts' body of liberties stood for what principles? When the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts, they began to realize their plight. Living far away from any governing body, they had to create a form of self government. Because of their religious background, they constructed their governing doctrine to revolve around their religious values. They wrote down their set of laws and named it the Massachusetts' body of liberties. Needing some one articulate for the job, they elected Nathaniel Ward to write it. Trained as a lawyer, he fashioned the Massachusetts body of liberties into one of the first state constitutions.
Drawing up this infant staged constitution, Massachusetts eventually adapted it from a religious doctrine into law. Some of the values set in stone by the body of liberties even inspired writers of the U.S. Constitution. 9. How did southern states solve their labor shortage issues? The southern states were very effective in their exportation of goods. The problem with their success is that it led to the crash of the tobacco market. Prices plummeted. The elite couldn't afford to pay the indentured servants, so they looked to new methods. They bought slaves from the traders that frequent Africa. By forcing the slaves to work the fields, and to create goods, southern colonies became self sufficient. This allowed them to survive the market crash. Because they couldn't afford to replace slaves due to the slump in export prices, they imported more slave women. Using them essentially as breeders, the planter elite created their own personal slave race. 10. The Bacon Rebellion resulted from a conflict between planters in the outlying areas of Virginia and the colonial officials in Jamestown. What was the conflict? The conflict that began the Bacon Rebellion revolved around land. Newly freed indentured servants wanted the pristine and prime land that the Native Americans laid claim too. When asked if they could encroach upon it, Governor Berekly declined. The farming elite needed the white men to work their farms, not work their own. They swayed the corrupt governor's opinion. Bacon decided to lead a force of men into Indian land. Him and his band eventually slaughtered members of a peaceful tribe. Berkeley was outraged, and arrested Bacon. Bacon's men freed him, and forced reforms upon the governmental body. But Bacon's pride was on the line, he seized power.
Dieing suddenly from dysentery, Berkeley once again seized control, and hanged a portion of the rebels. This rebellion would stick in the mind of the southern colonies. They feared oppressing the gun toting white men too much would yield another rebellion, so they started thinking of alternative methods of labor. Thus the idea of using slavery as a chief source came about. 11. The Georgia colony was founded in 1733 by a group of London philanthropists. Name and discuss the 3 key reasons. (2 points) In 1733, a group of reform minded trustees founded the colony of Georgia. Seeing more and more white settlers out of work due to the influx of slavery, they established Georgia to be a haven for the poor. Slavery was initially outlawed and land was parceled out to yeomen families. The British government approved of this colony because not only would they benefit from the colony's exports, but would provide a buffer zone. The colony of South Carolina was growing right due to its rice products. So they allowed Georgia to become a colony to protect their precious rice growing state. 12. Once the initial immigration had established the colonies a series of new Colonies started to emerge: New York; New Jersey; Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Those migrating to these regions were called Huguenots. Where did they come from? Why did they migrate? The Huguenots and other religious sects came from a variety of European countries. They were part of a Calvinistic Protestant group that stressed the omnipotence of God. Believing in predestination, they enforced a strict religious discipline on their people. They came from different European nations, each having its own name for the followers of Calvinism. In France they were Huguenots, in Scotland and England they were
known as Presbyterians and Puritans, and in Holland and Belgium known as the Reformed Church. Because of the growing tension between Catholic empires and converted Protestant ones, many fled to America to escape the wars or from religious persecution.
13. The British monarchy felt uneasy about its lack of control over the colonies, which resulted in revoking original charters and then imposing a series of navigational acts. What are these acts? List 4. The navigation acts are at their core a money making scheme. English lawmakers justified it as a "redistribution of wealth." these acts would control trade in the colonies, bring money into England, and limit the amount of wealth in America. The British government passed these acts to maintain their world dominance. To support their infrastructure, they needed wealth. Money paid for their standing armies, navies, and colony endeavors. After the French and Indian war, the British government needed to pay the troops that fought, and were now stationed in America. This was another reason for them to pass the laws. Some of the more well known Acts are the Stamp Act, the Revenue Act, the Sugar Act, and the Currency Act. The Stamp Act required a stamp on all official documents. The Revenue Act taxed exports like sugar and tobacco. The sugar act taxed the sugar cane industry, and eventually the molasses portion as well. The Currency Act prohibited the use of American paper money to pay European debts. These acts many Americans would consider offensive. Those affected most would incite the revolution to happen, because they were the ones whose rights were being violated. 14. Why did some of the colonist object to the Navigational Acts? Discuss
Colonists objected to the Navigation Acts because they were used to the British government ruling with a gentle hand. Because of the wealth American colonies were producing, the Glorious Revolution, and incompetent appointees to the Board of Trade; America was ruled in a period of salutary neglect. They generally ran things themselves with little or not interference from the crown. Colonists protested because they believed they were British citizens, they shouldn't have to pay for their protection since it should be a given. Taxation without representation wasn't right in their minds. They colonists then began to object when the Navigation Acts were enforced about how they were enforced. Governmental posts were given to political favorites, who generally were quite unqualified, and the colonists had absolutely no input on who got appointed. These acts brought about a new ideal of colonists. Smuggling became a profession, and bribery was rampant. These aspects of merchant life some felt were destroying the moral fabric by which they lived. 15. The Great Awakening marked the period when revolutionary ideas started to influence the separation movement in the colonies. John Locke's theories influenced colonists in what ways? (2 points) John Locke emerged as an influential political philosopher following his two treatises about government. Arguing that all men had certain natural rights, he then stated that it was the government's job to protect those natural rights. By entering into a social contract with the government, the public would adhere to its rules and the government would provide protection for those natural rights.
Locke argued that when a government violates those rights, the populace is justified in overthrowing said government. This rationale was used by the rebellious colonists to justify their uprising, since the crown was encroaching on their natural rights. Locke also introduced the idea of a limited power representative government. Some states adopted this idea in their own constitutions. But mainly, it is shown in the U.S. Constitution. When Jefferson penned the document, he picked bits of pieces of Lockonian theory and adapted it to American way of life. 16. Americans, when contemplating separating from the British Empire were either pragmatic or idealistic. Define and illustrate each by using facts that differentiate between each. During the great debate of American's revolving around the issues of breaking from the crown, many Americans were divided. Some remained true to the throne, being named Loyalists. But those that advocated breaking from England came in two groups. Some were realistic, while some were idealistic. The American's that were pragmatic generally came from the wealthier portion of America. They realized the might of the British Empire, and didn't believe their own forces could stand up to the crown. Even if America did succeed in its rebellion, they worried too about the aftermath. Without British law and might to rule the populace, the colonies might very well be in turmoil. Some realistic colonists were more than likely Loyalists, or Tories. They believed life under British rule was better than questionable rule that would inevitably follow the revolution it if succeeded. The American's that were of the idealistic variety were generally middle or lower class citizens, those who made up the bulk of the revolution. With dreams of a free and true
democratic society, they advocated for war regardless of the consequences. They believed if America could achieve its independence, then making America a true free nation would be easy. 17. On the discussion on the Great War for the Empire between England and France, the Indians were pragmatic or idealist? Which of their actions is associated with one of the other of these concepts? (2 points) During the Great War for the Empire, otherwise known as the French and Indian War in America, many Indian nations fought for both sides. But the Native American tribes did have a common aspect, they were all idealistic. The Indian's fighting with the colonists' and with the British, didn't realize the scope of their actions. They believed that by helping the British cause, the crown might grant them their land, as a reward for service. The Indian's fighting with the French was also idealistic. Believing that if the English were pushed out of North America, they would get their rightful land back without further encroachment. They didn't realize that if the French had in fact one, the English would only be replaced. Whether by France or another European nation, it doesn't matter. The Indian nations on both sides were duplicitous in their own downfall. Once American had been discovered, the European nations would continue to come and settle upon it. If the Indian tribes had united instead of infighting and choosing sides, they might have been able to keep the Europeans out of their rightful land. But their idealistic beliefs prevented them from doing so. 18. What was the essential agreement between the conflicting powers and what did they agree to?
The Great Iroquois Nation made the Ohio Valley the hub of the fur trade. English and French got wanted direct access to it. Quarrels began to emerge, and the fighting began in the colonies starting with minor skirmishes around forts, then escalating to all out warfare. The British colonies perceived the Ohio Valley as theirs, and the French perceived it as theirs. Fighting ensued, and was settled in the Peace Treaty of Paris. Because England had won many of the battles, it sat a seat of power and was able to dictate the terms. France would abandon all claims to North America except for two islands near Newfoundland. British rule would take over control of Canada and the Eastern part of the Mississippi valley. Then it was agreed that Spain would take over control of the western part of the Mississippi. This agreement showed Americans that Britain would fight for its own self interests. Many a colonist wanted to settle on the western frontier, and couldn't fathom why England would restrict access. This further fueled the rebellious nature of Americans when plotting to revolt. 19. British attempts at tightening imperial control resulted in the stationing of more British troops in the colonies. Two factors necessitated this deployment. Identify each and discuss in detail. Following the Great War for the Empire, England stationed a good portion of the troops that had done the fighting in America. They referred to it as a "peacetime army." This army would put down any Indian insurrections, but would also keep an eye on Americans. The Proclamation Line spelled out in the Peace Treaty of Paris stated that no American's could cross the designated line into western North America. This angered many yeomen families, who desired to do so. The army was there to make sure they didn't. Troops were also dispatched and stationed in abundance throughout the colonies after the Navigation Act disputes. Many colonies refused to abide by the terms of the acts, some
even harming the officials were supposed to collect them. Troops were dispatched to intimidate colonials, and to enforce the taxes. Some in England believed the colonies had to be put in their place. Sending troops under the pretense of tax enforcement was a way to skirt around the real motive. For when war came, the British army didn't have to sail across the Atlantic. They would already be poised to strike. 20. The colonists' legal argument of "no taxation without representation" emanates from which one of the three documents: Magna Charta; Mayflower Compact, or Articles of Confederation? Discuss its origin in detail. (2 points) The colonists' argument of "no taxation without representation" was not an original thought. Derived from the Magna Charta, the colonists used this as a justification for rebellion and resistance against the British authority. In the emergence of England as a world power, the monarchy began enforcing unpopular edicts upon the people. Aristocrats empowered with their armies of serfs, forced changes upon the crown. This reform would be penned as the Magna Charta. The Magna Charta was a monumental event in history, it was one of the first recorded times a revolution had happened to impose reforms upon a tyrannical government. 21. Describe the attitude of the Tories and Loyalist towards separation from the Crown. Which one supported and which one opposed separation? When talking about the colonists views on rebellion against the crown, they can be viewed in three groups. The group advocating war were the separatists, the group stressing loyalty to the crown were the loyalists, and the group striving to remain aloof were the neutrals. The loyalists to the crown were mostly wealthy white men, who had much to lose from war. Merchants, who had profited handsomely from trade with Britain, didn't want the war
to interrupt their trade. Some loyalists even formed the Tory Association. Although small, it showed that there were still some colonists who remained loyal to the crown. Tories were in fact, loyalists. One cannot differentiate between the two, except by political association. Tories were a rival party to the Whigs in Parliament, and were mostly conservative. 22. Once the war began, the major portion of the conflict was borne by whom? Once the American Revolution began, the British army found instead pitted against two types of opponents. The continental army and local militias. Having most of its officers trained in the art of civilized warfare, the continental army generally fought in the straight line combat that was custom. They lost most engagements because the British were better trained. What bogged down the British Army were the militias. Having seen how effective guerrilla tactics were in the French and Indian war, the militia fought with the same techniques. Not used to fighting a moving hiding force, English troops became mired down fighting militia. This gave the continental armies time to retreat and regroup. That time bought gave the American armies the advantage they needed. Hit and run militias on British supply lines and guerrilla warfare destroyed the advantage British military had, the oiled art of civilized warfare. 23. What was occurring in Europe that the professor gave as major contribution to the success of America's ability to fight the superior British forces on equal terms? In Europe, rival powers were taking advantage of the rebellion in the Americas, secretly hoping the British would lose. The Dutch and French lent the rebels money, in the form of loans. Benjamin Franklin on foreign diplomacy missions exploited the rivalry between France
and England. Following the victory at Saratoga, he convinced France entered into an official alliance with the colonies against England. The British were also facing problems at home. The war with America was very unpopular. A lot of British citizens sympathized with the colonists, believing the taxes were unreasonable. And now that Britain could no longer tax the colonies, they began taxing the English citizens more. This led to unrest amongst the people, which led to unrest in Parliament. Without support for the war and now squaring off against France at home and in America, Great Britain faced a battle that looked grim from all sides. 24. The Treaty of Paris stipulated British troops would be immediately withdrawn from the thirteen colonies. The colonists' lack of specifics provided an opening for the British in what regard? In the penning of the Treaty of Paris, the American side didn't foresee their mistakes. The first mistake was allowing free travel for all British and American peoples on the Mississippi. This would allow Great Britain forces to move up and down the great river without notice, and to plant troops within the heart of America. The second mistake revolved around monetary claims. The Americans allowed British creditors to seek legal claims on money owed. This allowed British merchants and bankers to try and bankrupt the already deeply indebted newly free Americans. 25. What was the rationale for the Continental Congress to establish only a legislative body? Following the Revolution from Great Britain, many states weren't ready to put themselves under the rule of another entity. Making their own forms of constitutions, they began
self government. They originally believed a representative government could only work on a state wide level, not a national level. Some of it had to do with colonists elitist attitudes however. Believing their religion and way of life to be best, they didn't want to intermingle with other colonists. Not wanted to associate themselves with people they considered to be of lower than themselves, self government seemed like the only logical choice. Of course they couldn't come out of the war with England with no independence to show for it. Not deciding on any other form of centralized power, they organized a legislative body. Not having much control, it required a unanimous vote to pass any sort of agreement. But its lack of power wasn't the point, it was a symbol. A symbol of what Americans had fought and died for, to look back and say "Now we are truly free and independent, we even govern ourselves democratically." 26. List four failures of the Articles of Confederation. Even though America had won a seemingly impossible war, the fight was not yet over. They still had to draft and create a working government coinciding with their beliefs. The first incarnation of this was the Articles of Confederation. It was not perfect; in fact the articles were far from perfect. But they were the first step in creating a representative form of government. A few key failures of the articles were written into the core of the document. The first big problem with the articles was no form of central government. There was no heart or brain for the new republic. With no central government, the articles then did not give the power to enforce taxes. This made funding the newly formed government a difficult task reliant on donations. And because there was no central power, the articles did not give the power to rally a national defensive force. The colonists feared that a standing army would threaten their new way
of life. Even with no central government, they did have a legislature New statutes had to pass through the legislature. The statute required a unanimous vote from all states for it to pass. A 100% agreement rarely happened within the newly formed legislature. The failures quickly undermined the newly formed nation's power. Destined to crumble, the Articles paved the way for a stronger document to replace it, the U.S. Constitution. 27. Name the key success discussed by the professor related to the Articles of Confederation. Even though the Articles of Confederation had its obvious faults, the penning of it marked a turning point in the history of the world. A true landmark for people of all nations to stop and respect. The Articles of Confederation marked the first time that powers and limitations of government were written down for everyone to view and critique. The articles were also the first attempt to create a republican based government over a substantially large country. Even though it failed, it was the first step in the right direction. 28. What caused the 13 states to reevaluate their relationship under the Articles of Confederation? Despite the weakness of the Articles of Confederation, one of the final straws was the Shay Rebellion. Many leaders of colonies believed that their new self government rule would end in anarchy, since governmental positions were heavily influenced by the poor who could vote. Another reason was because of taxes. The Americans had fought long and hard to stop their goods from being taxed by England. But now that England wasn't in the picture, states began taxing imports from other states. They were essentially doing to their own people what England had been doing.
Delegates and leaders saw these two harsh failures and realized the Articles needed to be re evaluated. Thus the drafting of the Constitution was inspired. 29. What was Daniel Shay's issue with the governing elite in Massachusetts? Following the war with England, peace had brought a recession. The debts of war and being barred from trading with the West Indies by Navigation acts, many Americans went into poverty. In some states, debt relief laws were passed to ease the burden of yeomen families. But in Massachusetts, merchants and creditors persuaded the legislature to not pass any relief laws. They even forced new tax laws upon the populace. When creditors sued to reclaim money, and started seizing property, bands of angry farmers closed the courts by force. This resistance was led by Daniel Shay, a former Continental army officer. Even though the rebellion failed, it made an impression upon the newly freed nation. States could not impose oppressive laws that mirrored those of Britain's, which Americans had fought so hard to rid themselves of. It also showed that the fruits of victory were not shared evenly by all colonists. 30. The conflict between large states and small states centered on what issue? The conflict between large and small states revolved around equal representation. Smaller states feared that larger states would impose laws on the smaller, and the larger states felt it was their right because they had a bigger population. Neither side could agree on what to do until the Great Compromise, or Connecticut Compromise, came about. 31. How did the Connecticut Compromise resolve the issue between large states and small states?
The Connecticut Compromise proposed a divided Congress. To appeal to both large and small states, it had aspects that included both sides point of view. The compromise would divide Congress into two "houses." In the lower house states would be represented by population. This would be known as the House of Representatives. A large population would yield more representatives. This appeased larger states. In the upper house states would be represented equally. This would become known as the Senate. This aspect appeased smaller states. This compromise laid the framework for the new government bodies of America. Following the disastrous Articles, Americans realized that they needed a stronger centralized power. And a divided congress made all parties involved happy. 32. What was the governmental structure agreed to by the members of the Second Continental Congress? The Second Continental Congress decided upon a stronger, more centralized form of government due to the Articles of Confederation's failure. Proposed by Adams, the decision was the foundation that still remains today. He proposed a bi-cameral legislature, a judiciary portion, and a "governor" position. Each portion of government would have powers, but could also check the other bodies' actions as well. This system of division of power became known as Checks and Balances. 33. What role did the Federalist papers play in the process to adopt the Constitution? Following the drafting of the Constitution, there was much controversy surrounding it. To rally support, influential men began published the Federalist Papers. The Federalist Papers key motive was to rally support for the new government document. Written eloquently and involved many essays on political theory, the Papers stressed
the importance of a strong central government. The papers also denounced the idea that a representative government would only work on a state level, and that a large representative form of government was a necessity for a large country like America. 34. Who were the three key players in the Federalist Papers? What was each participant's position? The key authors and publishers of the Federalist Papers were Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison. The Papers were a series of essays derived to form support for ratification of the U.S. Constitution. James Madison published the idea that a representative form of government could definitely work on a national level. He denied that a republican government was only suited for small states. John Jay stressed the importance of a strong central government, but for fear of foreign entities. He argued that the federal government had to have the power to create armies, to protect themselves from other world powers. Alexander Hamilton argued over the dissention between the states. He saw how each state was taxing one another, and knew it could only breed hatred. He brought forth the idea that the federal government had to have a say in taxes, and that it was necessary for the central governmental power to be able to tax. He stressed the importance of tax revenue for support of the government. Each of the authors had their own individual points, but they all were trying to accomplish the same goal. Their well written essays rallied support for the ratification of the Constitution, because they brought the issues at hand to light of the public. With the populaces support, ratification came quickly.
35. The Constitutional change is reflective of a centripetal or centrifugal political structure? The constitution was adapted and drafted because the Articles of Confederation were too weak and didn't provide enough power. The changes to the constitution reflected that weakness, and the revisions made to combine ultimately in the U.S. Constitution. The aspects of political philosophers, ancient documents regarding rights, and the newly revised American way of life were sliced and diced. This centrifugal process combined to make a truly unique and remarkable document. A nearly unprecedented set of liberties were penned down and given to the populace, making all that colonists had fought and died worth the loss. Through war and oppression, America emerged as a power to be reckoned with. But it's winning of the revolution and writing of the constitution wasn't America's greatest contribution. Everywhere people saw what America had done, and desired the same freedoms and liberties. They looked to the newly united states as their role model for a wanted way of life.