1.Identify two of the biggest weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Two of the biggest weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation were 1) The lack of the office of the President, and 2) The lack of Congress' ability to make the states obey the nation's new laws. It was very weak because it did not have any one person who would enforce the law, it also did not provide any means to make the states obey the laws that Congress created. The Office of the President is very important in enforcing the laws that Congress forms.
- Very good answer, with a superb explanation.
2.Other than George Washington, who do you think was the most influential Founding Father?
I think that Benjamin Franklin was very influential in the founding of this country. He owned a print shop in Philadelphia that printed articles in favor of the War for Independence. He also was very influential in the formation of our government. He was present at the Constitutional Convention of 1787. He was the oldest member present at the Convention and had to be carried to and from the Convention in a chair. He also wrote out his comments and remarks on paper and had someone read them out loud for him. The most influential thing I think he did was to suggest that they start every meeting of the Constitutional Convention with a prayer. He stated that while fighting against the British, they began every day with a prayer, and his belief was that every day the Convention met it should be no different.
- Good, but due to a lack of money the Constitutional Convention did not hire a minister to start each session with a prayer. Also, I'm not sure Franklin was more influential than other Founding Fathers, such as Alexander Hamilton. But full credit for your answer, which you explain well.
4.Give an example of George Washington's leadership. Explain.
An example of George Washington's leadership was the way he handled the Whiskey Rebellion. When the farmers of western Pennsylvania refused to pay the 7-cent per gallon tax on corn whiskey, they strike back against the farmers who did pay the tax. They even attacked U.S. Marshals and revenue agents. When the Governor of Pennsylvania refused to end the rebellion,President Washington raised a citizens army to go to Pennsylvania and end the rebellion. He risked his life in order to bring peace. After the arrival of President Washington, the farmers gave up immediately. Several men were caught, tried and convicted, but Washington being such a compassionate leader, pardoned them all of their offense.
- Terrific answer, which could become a model answer.
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 George Washington's farewell speech to the states. I think this quote means that religion and morality should be the most important factors in determining the direction a country and government takes. Unfortunately, especially in our world today, politics, religion and morality are not looked favorably upon together.
- Superb!
6.Describe two important aspects of the Northwest Ordinance.
Two important aspects of the Northwest Ordinance are 1) That it established a new way to create new states by establishing a three-stage process based on population. 2) It also was the first to act in protecting private property against the government.
- Excellent.
7.President John Adams was only a one-term president. Why?
President John Adams was only a one-term president because of his failure in foreign policy. President Adams sent American diplomats to France to demand an end to the French attacks on American ships. However, when they arrived in France, three French agents insisted that the only way they would consider the diplomats request was if the Americans gave in to their request for bribery. When the news of this scandal reached the U.S., the American people were devastated and embarrassed.
- Good point, but Adams was a failure as president for additional reasons. See model answers.
Honors Questions
H1.Would you have been an Anti-Federalist with respect to the Constitution? Discuss.
I think that I would have been in favor of the ratification of the Constitution. The Articles of Confederation were obviously not getting the job done. It was not working. I agree that something new needed to happen to provide a strong central government.
- Well done.
H3.James Madison's Federalist No. 10, as discussed in the lecture: can you explain and appreciate it?
Yes, I understand and appreciate it. The Federalist No. 10 states that the colonies, if united under the Constitution, would be better able to stand up against tyranny and other evils. However, the colonies, if on their own, would be weak and prone to caving into tyranny.
- That's a good, succinct description of it. The main point is that by uniting, the colonies would make it more difficult for any particular faction to gain control because there would be too many states and people for one group to gain authority over.
4.What would you have done differently if you served as an early President of the United States? Explain.
If I served as an early president, I do not think the I would have done anything differently. Even though President Adams was not as successful as President Washington, they were still humans and did what they thought was right at the time. It is easy to sit back and read about what someone did in the past, and say to yourself, oh I could have done much better, or why did they do that? We can guess what their motivations might have been, but the truth is we will never correctly know their motivations, and I think we should remember that before we criticize.
- Good, but since they were human and not perfect, doesn't that imply that some things could have been done differently for the benefit of the nation? (Minus 1)
H5.Write about any issue related to this week's lecture. Can a state nullify an act of Congress?
No, I do not think that a state should have the power to nullify an act of Congress, unless Congress enacts a law that is unconstitutional. The primary purpose of the Legislature is to make laws for the country. If a state just decides that they do not like a certain law then should they have the power to ignore it? No, Congress has the power to make the laws, not the states. By ratifying the Constitution, the states succumbed their right to individual state governments. The states elect people to serve in their legislature, so they have a voice in the law making process.
- OK, but what about when Congress does enact a law that is unconstitutional? (Minus 1).
Alexa W
- Grade: 88/90. Very well done!--Andy Schlafly 14:28, 27 February 2011 (EST)