American History Homework Three Answers - Student Seven

Deborah B.

1. Identify two weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. One of the biggest weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation concerned foreign policy. Because the United States was so powerless, small and young, it was deprived of any power it should have in foreign policy. For example, after the war British continued to shower heavy taxes on the U.S., and the United States was entirely too weak to fight against them because they did not have enough power to function successfully in its foreign relations.

Another major problem was that the United States under the Articles of Confederation just didn’t have a function government. Congress was completely in pieces and unorganized. The Articles of Confederation were failing, and the famous men of history had to do something about it!

Good, but slightly off. For example, Britain could not tax Americans after we won the Revolution. Need more specificity in your answer about Congress being in pieces and unorganized. (Minus 2).

2. Identify the first three Articles of the Constitution, and what each Article establishes. Article 1 covers the Legislative Branch (congress) Article II covers the Executive Branch and the powers of the President. Finally, Article III establishes the Supreme Court and the powers the Judicial Branch has in making laws.

Correct.

3. Explain what you like most about George Washington. The thing I find most admirable about George Washington was how much he really cared about being the President of the United States, and actually doing something about it. Unlike some previous presidents who only wanted to be president for more power, George Washington was the exact opposite. Not only did he decline the opportunity of his lifetime to continue serving as the President, probably for the remainder of his life, but he also showed extreme devotion, dedication, and caring towards his position as President. For example, during the Shay Rebellion, rather then order a bunch of people around to go stop the rioting, he took the initiative himself and stopped what could have potentially been a huge destructive event in history.

Excellent.

4. Describe the most important invention of the 1790s, and its political impact. The most important invention of the 1790s was in 1973, when Eli Whitney created the Cotton Gin. This invention took the cotton that was grown in fields, and separated it from the thorns and roughness of the rest of the plant and seeds. This invention took the place of 50 men, and it significantly increased the cotton production of the South, quickly making it the primary source of cotton production in the world. With the growing amount of money the South was making, confidence came with it, and when the Civil War came, the South though it was practically unshakable to an outside force. This gave them the confidence to take a place in the huge Civil War in the first place.

Correct.

5. Explain the political view expressed by this week's cartoon, and which side of what issue the cartoonist likely represents. The political view being expressed is that the federal government is getting stronger and stronger. Each pillar represents another state joining, thus making the entire structure become sounder. So, it is representing a strong federal government. The Federalists were the group of people who were for the Constitution and a strong central government. So, this cartoon is representing the Federalist side of the “Constitution or No Constitution?” issue going on.

Well done, but use the word "ratify" in reference to adopting the Constitution.

6. Describe two significant achievements of The Northwest Ordinance. One significant achievement of The Northwest Ordinance was establishing a way to create no less than three and no more than five new states. It established a three-stage process based on population for new states to be created and join the Confederation of colonies. In addition to those two achievements, it also specified what type of government the new territories and states must have, a requirement that would in later years become a part of the U.S. Constitution.

Excellent!

7. Describe what you think was most significant about John Adams' presidency. I think that his complete lack of a backbone was the most significant thing about John Adams’ presidency! The fact that he couldn’t sit and take the critical remarks and actions people said and did against him like a man, and instead passed silly laws and ordinances, shows that he was a weak minded person, clearly unfit to rule the United States of America. Anyone who cannot take conflict is not adequate in ruling a country!

Superb, although I don't think the problem was a lack of backbone. Perhaps being too thin-skinned is the better metaphor.

Well done! Score: 68/70.--Aschlafly 23:33, 2 October 2008 (EDT)