LAD #17: Andrew Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth
The essay describes the responsibility of philanthropy by the new upper class of self-made rich. The central thesis of Carnegie's essay was the danger of allowing a lot of money to be passed into the hands of persons or organizations ill-equipped mentally or emotionally to deal with them. As a result, the wealthy entrepreneur must assume the responsibility of trickling his fortune in a way that it will be put to good use, and not wasted on frivolous things. The sole existence of poverty in a such a society could be negated by wealthy philanthropic businessmen. He wanted to erase the entire possibility of doing a 360 degree turn, and ending back where the country started; it would destroy our civilization. Carnegie said, "There are but three modes in which surplus wealth can be disposed of. It can be left to the families of the decedents; or it can be bequeathed for public purposes; or, finally, it can be administered during their lives by its possessors." He had a distinct plan on how to manage the problems of poverty and stopping ill-equipped people from handling the money of the nation. He said it was the duty of the wealthy to set a good example to the less fortunate people of the country. As Carnegie stated in the essay, "This is not wealth, but only competence, which it should be the aim of all to acquire."
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Sunday, November 19, 2006
LAD #16: Emancipation Proclamation
The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive decree by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln during that country's Civil War, which declared the freedom of all slaves in those areas of the rebellious Confederate States of America that had not already returned to Union control. It was issued in two parts: the preliminary document published on September 22, 1862; and the second, published when the decree went into effect 100 days later, January 1, 1863. It was not a law passed by Congress but a Presidential order empowered, Lincoln believed, by his position as "Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy". It first affected only those slaves that had already escaped to the Union side, but as the Union armies advanced, tens of thousands of slaves were liberated each day until nearly all were free by summer 1865. Some slavery continued to exist in the border states until the entire institution was finally wiped out by the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment on December 6, 1865. The legality of the Proclamation was never tested in court because legal and scholarly opinion has consistently deemed it to have been a valid use of Presidential authority. Emancipation took place without violence by masters or ex-slaves. The proclamation represented a shift in the war objectives of the North—merely reuniting the nation would no longer become the sole outcome. It represented a major step toward the ultimate abolition of slavery in the United States and the formation of a "more perfect Union."
The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive decree by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln during that country's Civil War, which declared the freedom of all slaves in those areas of the rebellious Confederate States of America that had not already returned to Union control. It was issued in two parts: the preliminary document published on September 22, 1862; and the second, published when the decree went into effect 100 days later, January 1, 1863. It was not a law passed by Congress but a Presidential order empowered, Lincoln believed, by his position as "Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy". It first affected only those slaves that had already escaped to the Union side, but as the Union armies advanced, tens of thousands of slaves were liberated each day until nearly all were free by summer 1865. Some slavery continued to exist in the border states until the entire institution was finally wiped out by the ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment on December 6, 1865. The legality of the Proclamation was never tested in court because legal and scholarly opinion has consistently deemed it to have been a valid use of Presidential authority. Emancipation took place without violence by masters or ex-slaves. The proclamation represented a shift in the war objectives of the North—merely reuniting the nation would no longer become the sole outcome. It represented a major step toward the ultimate abolition of slavery in the United States and the formation of a "more perfect Union."
LAD #15: Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address
Abraham Lincoln delivered his second inaugural address on March 4, 1865, at the start of his second term as President. Secessionists in the American Civil War were about to have victory, and slavery had been effectively done with. Licoln did not speak of victory, he spoke of loss, guilt, and sin. Some people see this speech as a defense of his approach to Reconstruction, in which he went to avoid strict treatment of the defeated South by reminding his listeners of how wrong both sides had been in imagining what lay before them when the war began, in all actuality, four years ago. Lincoln balanced that rejection of victory, however, with a recognition of the evil of slavery, which he described in the most concrete terms possible. The statement "to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and orphan" was later adopted by the Veterans Administration as its mission statement.
Abraham Lincoln delivered his second inaugural address on March 4, 1865, at the start of his second term as President. Secessionists in the American Civil War were about to have victory, and slavery had been effectively done with. Licoln did not speak of victory, he spoke of loss, guilt, and sin. Some people see this speech as a defense of his approach to Reconstruction, in which he went to avoid strict treatment of the defeated South by reminding his listeners of how wrong both sides had been in imagining what lay before them when the war began, in all actuality, four years ago. Lincoln balanced that rejection of victory, however, with a recognition of the evil of slavery, which he described in the most concrete terms possible. The statement "to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and orphan" was later adopted by the Veterans Administration as its mission statement.
LAD #14: Dred Scott Decision
When the court met for the first time in early 1857 it favored a moderate decision that ruled in favor of Sanford. It did not consider the larger issues of black citizenship and the Missouri Compromise. President-elect James Buchanan contacted friends on the Supreme Court, and he asked if the Court had reached a decision in the case. He needed some definite information about territories to bring up in his inaugural address on March 4. By inauguration day 1857, Buchanan knew what the outcome of the Supreme Court's decision would be and took the opportunity to throw his support to the Court in his inaugural address. That support was for the idea that every territory should have popular sovereignty and answer this question of slavery themselves. Chief Justice Thaney later in March of the same year addressed not only the slave issue, but the issue of free blacks, as well. One of the privileges reserved for citizens by the Constitution was the "privilege of suing in a court of the United States in the cases specified by the Constitution." Taney's opinion stated that blacks, even free blacks, were not citizens of the United States, and that therefore Scott, as a black, did not have the privilege of being able to sue in a federal court. Taney went on to reason that the Missouri Compromise deprived slaveholding citizens of their property in the form of slaves and that therefore the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional.
When the court met for the first time in early 1857 it favored a moderate decision that ruled in favor of Sanford. It did not consider the larger issues of black citizenship and the Missouri Compromise. President-elect James Buchanan contacted friends on the Supreme Court, and he asked if the Court had reached a decision in the case. He needed some definite information about territories to bring up in his inaugural address on March 4. By inauguration day 1857, Buchanan knew what the outcome of the Supreme Court's decision would be and took the opportunity to throw his support to the Court in his inaugural address. That support was for the idea that every territory should have popular sovereignty and answer this question of slavery themselves. Chief Justice Thaney later in March of the same year addressed not only the slave issue, but the issue of free blacks, as well. One of the privileges reserved for citizens by the Constitution was the "privilege of suing in a court of the United States in the cases specified by the Constitution." Taney's opinion stated that blacks, even free blacks, were not citizens of the United States, and that therefore Scott, as a black, did not have the privilege of being able to sue in a federal court. Taney went on to reason that the Missouri Compromise deprived slaveholding citizens of their property in the form of slaves and that therefore the Missouri Compromise was unconstitutional.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
LAD #13: Lincoln's Gettysburg Address
Lincoln invoked the principles of human equality that are so famous because of the Declaration of Independence and redefined the Civil War as a struggle not only for the Union, but as "a new birth of freedom" that would bring equality to all of its citizens. Beginning with phrase, "Four score and seven years ago," Lincoln referred to the events of the American Revolution and described the ceremony at Gettysburg as an opportunity not only to dedicate the grounds of a cemetery, but also to honor the living in the struggle to make sure that "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." Lincoln used the word "nation" five times, but never the word "union," which refers to the North. This restored the nation significantly, not a union of individual states, was extremely important. Lincoln's text referred to the year 1776 and the American Revolutionary War, and included the famous words of the Declaration of Independence, that "all men are created equal". Lincoln did not say anything about the 1789 Constitution, which recognized slavery in the "three-fifths compromise," and he avoided using the word "slavery". He also did not announce anything about the nullification of states' rights in the antebellum period.
Lincoln invoked the principles of human equality that are so famous because of the Declaration of Independence and redefined the Civil War as a struggle not only for the Union, but as "a new birth of freedom" that would bring equality to all of its citizens. Beginning with phrase, "Four score and seven years ago," Lincoln referred to the events of the American Revolution and described the ceremony at Gettysburg as an opportunity not only to dedicate the grounds of a cemetery, but also to honor the living in the struggle to make sure that "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." Lincoln used the word "nation" five times, but never the word "union," which refers to the North. This restored the nation significantly, not a union of individual states, was extremely important. Lincoln's text referred to the year 1776 and the American Revolutionary War, and included the famous words of the Declaration of Independence, that "all men are created equal". Lincoln did not say anything about the 1789 Constitution, which recognized slavery in the "three-fifths compromise," and he avoided using the word "slavery". He also did not announce anything about the nullification of states' rights in the antebellum period.
LAD #12: Lincoln's First Inaugural Address
Lincoln delivered this address on March 4, 1861 and he touched mainly on the slave-holding interests in the South. He went into detail with and described his views on:
1. Strongest possible federal support for the Fugitive Slave Law
2. He wanted to make it clear that the laws in the nation would be upheld in all of the states, hence his oath: "to preserve, protect, and defend the United States Constitution".
3. Unless he had to execute his need to hold, occupy, and possess the property belonging to the government, there would be no invasion of the South in any way.
4. "To form a more perfect union" was the reason that Constitution was established (much more than the Articles of Confederation). He also stated that the Constitution was just a contract, and people could not be repremanded for not following it unless there was an agreement between all of the parties involved.
5. As to the Corwin amendment that had already been approved by both houses to protect slavery in the states that it had already existed in, he had no objections to it. He simply thought that those rights were already protected through the Constitution.
6. Nowhere in the Constitution does it say what can or cannot be done regarding slavery in the nation, as well as expansion into the West.
7. Mails would still be in continuation.
Lincoln delivered this address on March 4, 1861 and he touched mainly on the slave-holding interests in the South. He went into detail with and described his views on:
1. Strongest possible federal support for the Fugitive Slave Law
2. He wanted to make it clear that the laws in the nation would be upheld in all of the states, hence his oath: "to preserve, protect, and defend the United States Constitution".
3. Unless he had to execute his need to hold, occupy, and possess the property belonging to the government, there would be no invasion of the South in any way.
4. "To form a more perfect union" was the reason that Constitution was established (much more than the Articles of Confederation). He also stated that the Constitution was just a contract, and people could not be repremanded for not following it unless there was an agreement between all of the parties involved.
5. As to the Corwin amendment that had already been approved by both houses to protect slavery in the states that it had already existed in, he had no objections to it. He simply thought that those rights were already protected through the Constitution.
6. Nowhere in the Constitution does it say what can or cannot be done regarding slavery in the nation, as well as expansion into the West.
7. Mails would still be in continuation.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
LAD #11: John Calhoun's Speech
South Carolina Senator John C. Calhoun prepared his last speech during the course of the great debate over the Compromise of 1850, a set of resolutions supported by Henry Clay that emphasized on the controversial slavery question. The aspects of Clay's compromise calling for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia and the admission of California as a free state were not negotiable to Calhoun and his followers. In his view, the sovereignty of the states was in trouble. The emphasis was wholly on northern aggressions and against the trend for conciliation and compromise. Two "nations" now existed, torn between the question of whether slavery should be allowed or not in the union, and Calhoun stated that if the question could not be answered, the two "nations" should agree to disagree, and remove themselves from each other.
South Carolina Senator John C. Calhoun prepared his last speech during the course of the great debate over the Compromise of 1850, a set of resolutions supported by Henry Clay that emphasized on the controversial slavery question. The aspects of Clay's compromise calling for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia and the admission of California as a free state were not negotiable to Calhoun and his followers. In his view, the sovereignty of the states was in trouble. The emphasis was wholly on northern aggressions and against the trend for conciliation and compromise. Two "nations" now existed, torn between the question of whether slavery should be allowed or not in the union, and Calhoun stated that if the question could not be answered, the two "nations" should agree to disagree, and remove themselves from each other.
LAD #10: Polk's War Message
This message was sent to Congress five days after Mexico formally protested the joint resolution for the annexation of Texas. When news came of the clash with Mexican soldiers, President Polk announced that the United States had been attacked. "American blood on the American soil," he said in his message to Congress, asking for a declaration of war against Mexico. Congress voted for war after two days, and Polk's party was in the majority. Some members of Congress believed it was the "manifest destiny" of the United States to occupy all the land from the Atlantic states to the Pacific Ocean. Southerners saw an opportunity to create more slave states. The northerners were against the southerners, stating that it was unfair to admit such a large state to the union, and because it was in the South, it would thus create more slave states than free.
This message was sent to Congress five days after Mexico formally protested the joint resolution for the annexation of Texas. When news came of the clash with Mexican soldiers, President Polk announced that the United States had been attacked. "American blood on the American soil," he said in his message to Congress, asking for a declaration of war against Mexico. Congress voted for war after two days, and Polk's party was in the majority. Some members of Congress believed it was the "manifest destiny" of the United States to occupy all the land from the Atlantic states to the Pacific Ocean. Southerners saw an opportunity to create more slave states. The northerners were against the southerners, stating that it was unfair to admit such a large state to the union, and because it was in the South, it would thus create more slave states than free.
LAD #9: Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments
Female suffrage was a chief topic for discussion, and it began the feminist political movement in the nineteenth century. A group of 200 women and 40 men drafted and approved this document in New York in 1848, which is a series of resolutions calling for women's suffrage and the reform of marital and property laws that kept women in an inferior status to men. This document was intentionally modeled after the Declaration of Independence, hence the name, "Declaration of Sentiments." In the middle of the Declaration of Independence, the writers denounced the King of England, stating all of his wrongdoings and their reason for wanting independence. Modeling from that document, the writers of the Declaration of Sentiments denounced men in general, and stated what they have done wrong in the past, and why women should be granted the freedom of suffrage. Frederick Douglass attended. The convention was organized by Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, two Quakers who were interested in the women suffrage movement when Lucretia Mott was denied entrance into an antislavery meeting because of her gender. This convention was made in order to spur more conventions around the country, and spread the idea of women suffrage. At a time when traditional roles were still very much in place, the Declaration caused much controversy among the people of the nation, and it lost a lot of support because of that reason.
Female suffrage was a chief topic for discussion, and it began the feminist political movement in the nineteenth century. A group of 200 women and 40 men drafted and approved this document in New York in 1848, which is a series of resolutions calling for women's suffrage and the reform of marital and property laws that kept women in an inferior status to men. This document was intentionally modeled after the Declaration of Independence, hence the name, "Declaration of Sentiments." In the middle of the Declaration of Independence, the writers denounced the King of England, stating all of his wrongdoings and their reason for wanting independence. Modeling from that document, the writers of the Declaration of Sentiments denounced men in general, and stated what they have done wrong in the past, and why women should be granted the freedom of suffrage. Frederick Douglass attended. The convention was organized by Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, two Quakers who were interested in the women suffrage movement when Lucretia Mott was denied entrance into an antislavery meeting because of her gender. This convention was made in order to spur more conventions around the country, and spread the idea of women suffrage. At a time when traditional roles were still very much in place, the Declaration caused much controversy among the people of the nation, and it lost a lot of support because of that reason.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
LAD #8: Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine states three major ideas. First, it conveys that European countries cannot colonize in any of the Americas: North, Central, or South. Second, only if Americans' rights are in danger or threat will the U.S. go into, or be involved with European affairs (this enforces Washington's rule of foreign policy.) Third, the U.S. will consider any attempt at colonization a threat to its national security. The doctrine was issued by President James Monroe during his seventh annual State of the Union address to Congress. This was a defining moment in the foreign policy of the United States. "It is still the true policy of the United States to leave the parties to themselves, in hope that other powers will pursue the same course." James Monroe, when saying this, meant that because of the United States' ability to keep balance and individual rights among its citizens, hopefully it will encourage other countries to do so, as well.
The Monroe Doctrine states three major ideas. First, it conveys that European countries cannot colonize in any of the Americas: North, Central, or South. Second, only if Americans' rights are in danger or threat will the U.S. go into, or be involved with European affairs (this enforces Washington's rule of foreign policy.) Third, the U.S. will consider any attempt at colonization a threat to its national security. The doctrine was issued by President James Monroe during his seventh annual State of the Union address to Congress. This was a defining moment in the foreign policy of the United States. "It is still the true policy of the United States to leave the parties to themselves, in hope that other powers will pursue the same course." James Monroe, when saying this, meant that because of the United States' ability to keep balance and individual rights among its citizens, hopefully it will encourage other countries to do so, as well.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
LAD #7: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address
Some people expected Jefferson in his inaugural to attack the Federalists because he had been quite critical of them in the past. Instead, he held out an olive branch and, in a paean to democracy, wanted to have a society in which differing ideas were encouraged. Only by allowing people full freedom to differ, Jefferson urged, could democratic society thrive. Here again, a precedent had been set. Political parties, no matter how bitter the electoral fight, would not only accept the results, but would be expected to cooperate in furthering the good of the nation. Jefferson, in his address, wanted to make sure the people understood that he wanted to keep on the road that leads to peace, liberty, and safety. He reiterates the importance of equality among the people, stating "equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political." Strongly criticized as a deist or even an atheist, Jefferson strongly stated his belief in the importance of religion in the address. He closes the speech listing the "freedom of religion" prominently among the constitutional freedoms.
Some people expected Jefferson in his inaugural to attack the Federalists because he had been quite critical of them in the past. Instead, he held out an olive branch and, in a paean to democracy, wanted to have a society in which differing ideas were encouraged. Only by allowing people full freedom to differ, Jefferson urged, could democratic society thrive. Here again, a precedent had been set. Political parties, no matter how bitter the electoral fight, would not only accept the results, but would be expected to cooperate in furthering the good of the nation. Jefferson, in his address, wanted to make sure the people understood that he wanted to keep on the road that leads to peace, liberty, and safety. He reiterates the importance of equality among the people, stating "equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political." Strongly criticized as a deist or even an atheist, Jefferson strongly stated his belief in the importance of religion in the address. He closes the speech listing the "freedom of religion" prominently among the constitutional freedoms.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
LAD #6: Washington's Farewell Address
Washington sees rising sectionalism in the country. He urges Americans to unite for the good of the whole country. Two political factions that developed into political parties in the early 1790s were the Federalists, and the Jeffersonian Republicans. The Federalists, and Washington himself, backed Hamilton's plan for a central bank and other strong central economic plan based on manufacturing while the Jeffersonian Republicans opposed the strong government inherent in the Hamiltonian plan, and favored farmers as opposed to city people. Washington foresaw that this intense political polarization would be the largest issue in the new government, as these two sides attempted to further craft and guide the nation.
He uses harsh words warning to avoid entanglements with foreign powers, particularly in Europe. Both parties wanted to stay out of the wars between France and Britain. The Federalists favored stronger ties to the British, while the Republicans insisted on adhering to the treaty the U.S. had already signed with France in 1778. Washington thus was warning everyone that partisanship might drag the United States into this fray.
Also in the address, Washington's view of preserving "political prosperity" through morality and religion are stated. He called morality "a necessary spring of popular government."
This was a written address to the people of the United States after his second term as President.
Washington sees rising sectionalism in the country. He urges Americans to unite for the good of the whole country. Two political factions that developed into political parties in the early 1790s were the Federalists, and the Jeffersonian Republicans. The Federalists, and Washington himself, backed Hamilton's plan for a central bank and other strong central economic plan based on manufacturing while the Jeffersonian Republicans opposed the strong government inherent in the Hamiltonian plan, and favored farmers as opposed to city people. Washington foresaw that this intense political polarization would be the largest issue in the new government, as these two sides attempted to further craft and guide the nation.
He uses harsh words warning to avoid entanglements with foreign powers, particularly in Europe. Both parties wanted to stay out of the wars between France and Britain. The Federalists favored stronger ties to the British, while the Republicans insisted on adhering to the treaty the U.S. had already signed with France in 1778. Washington thus was warning everyone that partisanship might drag the United States into this fray.
Also in the address, Washington's view of preserving "political prosperity" through morality and religion are stated. He called morality "a necessary spring of popular government."
This was a written address to the people of the United States after his second term as President.
LAD #5: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality
When France declared war on England on February 1, 1793, the United States faced a thorny political problem. France was America's ally during the Revolutionary War, yet Great Britain's financial support was important to American shipowners. President Washington met with members of his cabinet who agreed with him that a policy of neutrality was in the best interests of the country. Although both Hamilton and Jefferson favored a neutral position, Hamilton sided with Britain and Jefferson with France. And James Madison questioned the president's authority to issue the proclamation without congressional approval Nonetheless, Washington issued the proclamation, warning American citizens to avoid involvement in the hostilities, a strictly European war. This admonition proved to be a harbinger of one of Washington's themes in his Farewell Address to the Nation three and a half years later in which he would warn against America's involvement in "permanent alliances." Notice that nowhere in his proclamation does Washington use the word "neutrality." This could have been to possibly not insult Britain. Washington states that the United States would "adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial towards the belligerent powers", in this case referring to France, Britain, and its Spanish allies. Any American providing assistance to the warring countries would be prosecuted.
When France declared war on England on February 1, 1793, the United States faced a thorny political problem. France was America's ally during the Revolutionary War, yet Great Britain's financial support was important to American shipowners. President Washington met with members of his cabinet who agreed with him that a policy of neutrality was in the best interests of the country. Although both Hamilton and Jefferson favored a neutral position, Hamilton sided with Britain and Jefferson with France. And James Madison questioned the president's authority to issue the proclamation without congressional approval Nonetheless, Washington issued the proclamation, warning American citizens to avoid involvement in the hostilities, a strictly European war. This admonition proved to be a harbinger of one of Washington's themes in his Farewell Address to the Nation three and a half years later in which he would warn against America's involvement in "permanent alliances." Notice that nowhere in his proclamation does Washington use the word "neutrality." This could have been to possibly not insult Britain. Washington states that the United States would "adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial towards the belligerent powers", in this case referring to France, Britain, and its Spanish allies. Any American providing assistance to the warring countries would be prosecuted.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
LAD #4: Federalist #10
1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate? James Madison, in summary, describes faction as a group that pursues self interest at the expense of the common good. He states how "faction is to liberty as air is to fire," therefore, eliminating factions is eliminating liberty and therefore is impossible to have in a nation founded on liberty. These factions are so difficult to eliminate, however, because different Americans have various ideas and beliefs. People view religion, government, etc. on so many levels.
2. If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled? If factional strife becomes intensive and public, the broader organization may suffer from perceptions of disunity. Taken one step further, if the conflict is particularly severe, it may cause ruptures within the organization that seriously impede its effectiveness, leading to collapse of the broader organization. Madison proceeds to examine how to better control the negative effects of faction. As a democracy, America has decided that there is no cure for faction. A republic, however, opens new prospect for a "cure" that the nation seeks. It will equalize each individual, and no longer will opinions, passions, and possessions be different and unique.
At the end, Madison states, "In the extent and proper structure of the Union, therefore, we behold a republican remedy for the diseases most incident to republican government. And according to the degree of pleasure and pride we feel in being republicans, ought to be our zeal in cherishing the spirit and supporting the character of Federalists."
1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate? James Madison, in summary, describes faction as a group that pursues self interest at the expense of the common good. He states how "faction is to liberty as air is to fire," therefore, eliminating factions is eliminating liberty and therefore is impossible to have in a nation founded on liberty. These factions are so difficult to eliminate, however, because different Americans have various ideas and beliefs. People view religion, government, etc. on so many levels.
2. If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled? If factional strife becomes intensive and public, the broader organization may suffer from perceptions of disunity. Taken one step further, if the conflict is particularly severe, it may cause ruptures within the organization that seriously impede its effectiveness, leading to collapse of the broader organization. Madison proceeds to examine how to better control the negative effects of faction. As a democracy, America has decided that there is no cure for faction. A republic, however, opens new prospect for a "cure" that the nation seeks. It will equalize each individual, and no longer will opinions, passions, and possessions be different and unique.
At the end, Madison states, "In the extent and proper structure of the Union, therefore, we behold a republican remedy for the diseases most incident to republican government. And according to the degree of pleasure and pride we feel in being republicans, ought to be our zeal in cherishing the spirit and supporting the character of Federalists."
Sunday, September 17, 2006
LAD #3: Declaration of Independence
When summarizing the United States Declaration of Independence, one statement overshadows all the rest: “...all men are created equal...”. The idea that would seem so simple to have from the beginning, was a constant struggle for the United States. Those five minute words are the basis to our country today, leaving this declaration to be one of the greatest documents in history. Lilfe, liberty and pursuit of happiness are still applicable to today’s living, making it hold true to history as a whole, as well as the future for the nation. This document gives the people the power, stating how the government has a responsibility to maintain these rights among the citizens, and if, for any reason, the government fails to derive its power from the people, we have the responsibility to abolish that government. This pure document, however simple it may seem, grants power to the United States as “free and independent states,” with the power to levy war, conclude peace, establish commerce, and scores more acts that free states have the right to do. The Declaration of Independence is a blunt document, leaving no room for multiple interpretations, making sure that it can not be danced around. The people are granted full power of the nation, with obvious governing bodies to keep order. And one phrase that will continue to ring in the ears of the people of the United States of America is “all men are created equal.”
When summarizing the United States Declaration of Independence, one statement overshadows all the rest: “...all men are created equal...”. The idea that would seem so simple to have from the beginning, was a constant struggle for the United States. Those five minute words are the basis to our country today, leaving this declaration to be one of the greatest documents in history. Lilfe, liberty and pursuit of happiness are still applicable to today’s living, making it hold true to history as a whole, as well as the future for the nation. This document gives the people the power, stating how the government has a responsibility to maintain these rights among the citizens, and if, for any reason, the government fails to derive its power from the people, we have the responsibility to abolish that government. This pure document, however simple it may seem, grants power to the United States as “free and independent states,” with the power to levy war, conclude peace, establish commerce, and scores more acts that free states have the right to do. The Declaration of Independence is a blunt document, leaving no room for multiple interpretations, making sure that it can not be danced around. The people are granted full power of the nation, with obvious governing bodies to keep order. And one phrase that will continue to ring in the ears of the people of the United States of America is “all men are created equal.”
Sunday, September 10, 2006
LAD #2: Zenger Questions
1. Who was John Peter Zenger? Zenger was the printer for the New York Weekly Journal, a newspaper in NYC. He began exposing corrupt practices of the British colonial government, and in Zenger's time, criticism of the British government was treason, a serious crime. His trial was extremely liberal.
2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense. In 1735, Zenger was charged with seditious libel. He was defended by Philadelphia lawyer, Andrew Hamilton. The prosecutors stated that the publication enough in the newspaper was enough to convict and he excluded the truth from the evidence stated. Hamilton gave up the information that Zenger did indeed write and publish the stories about the British, however, it he denied it was libel unless it was false. Zenger was found not guilty after a convincing defensive argument by Hamilton.
3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition? Zenger, was found not guilty in this landmark case which established certainty as a defense against slander and was a victory for freedom of the press. It also set a precedent against judicial tyranny in libel suits.
4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain. Founded in 1982, Zenger News Service began distributing news and information in the United States. In early 1998, ZNS expanded its distribution to include customers in 35 foreign countries. Zenger News Service hopes to help this generation of Americans better appreciate John Peter Zenger's significant contribution to our personal freedom and national prosperity. Our press freedom helps us learn about and retain all of our other freedoms, and America's world-famous freedom of the press today is greatly a result of the heroism shown by John Peter Zenger in 1735.
1. Who was John Peter Zenger? Zenger was the printer for the New York Weekly Journal, a newspaper in NYC. He began exposing corrupt practices of the British colonial government, and in Zenger's time, criticism of the British government was treason, a serious crime. His trial was extremely liberal.
2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense. In 1735, Zenger was charged with seditious libel. He was defended by Philadelphia lawyer, Andrew Hamilton. The prosecutors stated that the publication enough in the newspaper was enough to convict and he excluded the truth from the evidence stated. Hamilton gave up the information that Zenger did indeed write and publish the stories about the British, however, it he denied it was libel unless it was false. Zenger was found not guilty after a convincing defensive argument by Hamilton.
3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition? Zenger, was found not guilty in this landmark case which established certainty as a defense against slander and was a victory for freedom of the press. It also set a precedent against judicial tyranny in libel suits.
4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain. Founded in 1982, Zenger News Service began distributing news and information in the United States. In early 1998, ZNS expanded its distribution to include customers in 35 foreign countries. Zenger News Service hopes to help this generation of Americans better appreciate John Peter Zenger's significant contribution to our personal freedom and national prosperity. Our press freedom helps us learn about and retain all of our other freedoms, and America's world-famous freedom of the press today is greatly a result of the heroism shown by John Peter Zenger in 1735.
LAD #1: The Mayflower Compact” and “The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut
1. What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact? The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document of the Plymouth Colony. The Mayflower Compact was signed to establish a civil government and to proclaim the settlers' loyalty and honor to the king. Within the text, the settlers’ state that they are set to achieving a civil body and the preservation of equal laws and constitutions.
2. How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds? When returning back from the Mayflower, the pilgrims realized that their land was outside the territory of the London Company. The document was drafted upon the Mayflower, as the pilgrims were crossing the Atlantic, and it was signed in 1620. Earlier settlements failed in the New World due to the lack of central leadership; Mayflower Compact was a social contract in which the settlers agreed to abide by the rules of the government, which would thus have power with the consent of the governed.
3. How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact? The Fundamental Orders have an intricate list of rights in which all free men believed they were to be granted. It provides that all free men share in electing their magistrates, and uses secret, paper ballots. It states the powers of the government, and some limits within which that power is exercised. The document was used as a serious, governing document that Connecticut still has sections of in their Declaration of Rights, which was adopted in 1965. The Mayflower Compact was still a governing document, however, it lacked the specific rights and laws within it; it simply stated the need for a civil government and their loyalty to the English crown. No where in the text do they name certain laws or rights.
4. What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution? In 1637, the towns of Hartford, Wethersfield, and Windsor had started a commonwealth in order to fight the Pequot War. In 1638, Reverend Thomas Hookerchallenged the General Court to fix the principles of that government. It was his view that "the foundation of authority is laid in the free consent of the people". In 1639, the Connecticut River Colony drafted the document.
5. In what significant way(s) does the Fundamental Orders reflect a fear of and safeguard against the usurping of power by one person or a chosen few? Along with the Governor, there will be six magistrates besides him, who also have power to administer justice. They feel the need to have a group of men behind the Governor to avoid pitfalls, such as a possible dictatorship, and they believe it is important for the people to have a say in the documents which govern their lives.
1. What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact? The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document of the Plymouth Colony. The Mayflower Compact was signed to establish a civil government and to proclaim the settlers' loyalty and honor to the king. Within the text, the settlers’ state that they are set to achieving a civil body and the preservation of equal laws and constitutions.
2. How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds? When returning back from the Mayflower, the pilgrims realized that their land was outside the territory of the London Company. The document was drafted upon the Mayflower, as the pilgrims were crossing the Atlantic, and it was signed in 1620. Earlier settlements failed in the New World due to the lack of central leadership; Mayflower Compact was a social contract in which the settlers agreed to abide by the rules of the government, which would thus have power with the consent of the governed.
3. How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact? The Fundamental Orders have an intricate list of rights in which all free men believed they were to be granted. It provides that all free men share in electing their magistrates, and uses secret, paper ballots. It states the powers of the government, and some limits within which that power is exercised. The document was used as a serious, governing document that Connecticut still has sections of in their Declaration of Rights, which was adopted in 1965. The Mayflower Compact was still a governing document, however, it lacked the specific rights and laws within it; it simply stated the need for a civil government and their loyalty to the English crown. No where in the text do they name certain laws or rights.
4. What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution? In 1637, the towns of Hartford, Wethersfield, and Windsor had started a commonwealth in order to fight the Pequot War. In 1638, Reverend Thomas Hookerchallenged the General Court to fix the principles of that government. It was his view that "the foundation of authority is laid in the free consent of the people". In 1639, the Connecticut River Colony drafted the document.
5. In what significant way(s) does the Fundamental Orders reflect a fear of and safeguard against the usurping of power by one person or a chosen few? Along with the Governor, there will be six magistrates besides him, who also have power to administer justice. They feel the need to have a group of men behind the Governor to avoid pitfalls, such as a possible dictatorship, and they believe it is important for the people to have a say in the documents which govern their lives.
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