LAD #4 Federalist #10

LAD #4: Federalist #10

1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?

The factions are so difficult to eliminate because of the liberty given to the people. In order to eliminate factions, the liberty must be taken from the people because factions are created as people use their liberty and their opinions vary, such as in religion and politics. However, if liberty is taken from the people, then America no longer represents freedom. Taking away liberty goes against America’s own constitution. Without liberty, each mans right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness would be destroyed.


2. If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled?

The United States government is a republican government; therefore the beliefs of one faction are checked by the other through the right of voting. This allows Americans to control their own factions, as if a minority faction voices a law that is not good for the country, the majority faction will override it because the greater part of the nation disagrees with the opinion of the minority faction. On the other hand, if the majority of the Americans are in favor of a law, the law will be passed about every time because the legislature represents, mostly in ratio, the different factions in the nation.

LAD #3 Declaration of Independence (summary)

The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson and accepted by the Second Continental Congress, states the reasons for why the American colonists desired independence from Britain in 1776. The preamble of the declaration explains why it was necessary for the colonists to rid themselves of Britain’s tyrannical government and begin their own self-rule. In the beginning of the declaration, Jefferson states that all men are created equal, and have certain unalienable rights including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Furthermore, the document states that if the ruling government becomes destructive to these natural rights, then it is the duty of the people to abolish it. As the preamble comes to a close, Jefferson writes that the Crown has demonstrated absolute tyranny over the American colonies and betrayed the colonists’ natural rights.

The beef of the declaration states the many grievances Britain committed, disregarding the colonists natural rights. Specific abuses that Britain did are as follows. Britain dissolved the colonists’ self-government. Moreover, Britain taxed the colonists and limited their trade without giving the colonists any say or representation. This is one reason the colonists made the slogan, “No taxation without representation,” during the Revolutionary War. Britain also, by using the Quartering Act, forced colonists to provide quartering for soldiers, even in times when there was no war going on. Also, Britain deprived them of the right of trial by jury. Nearing the end of these grievances, Jefferson states that Britain has destroyed the lives of the colonists.

In the conclusion of the declaration, it is first mentioned that the colonists have tried to show Britain its wrongs by petition. However, continually Britain ignored the colonies and rejected their petitions. The declaration then states that the colonies are now the United States and are free and independent states. Therefore, they obtain power which all independent states have, including the rights to levy war, contract alliances, and establish commerce.

Cartoon #1 American Rattlesnake

1.) The cartoon drawn by James Gilray shows a snake circling armies. The large snake that has already encircled the British at Saratoga and Yorktown has a third empty circle on the left, indicating that there is still room for another captured British army. "Two British Armies I have thus Burgoyn'd, And room for more I've got behind," is what the snake had written on its tongue. The colonists were ready to defeat the British army once again. The Americans have begun to demostrate their ability to defeat the British.

2.) Gilray, supporting the American colonists in their revolution, is trying to keep them motivated and make them believe that they can easily defeat the British and conquer their armies. Gilray believes that the colonists are dangerous and more powerful than the Britsh.

3.) The American rebels indeed did keep momentum in their fight against Britain. As in the end, the colonists gained their freedom from Britain by defeating it and its armies in the American Revolution and with the written Declaration of Independence.

LAD #2 Zenger Trials

1. Who was John Peter Zenger?

John Peter Zenger was a German who came to New York in 1710. He was the printer of the New York Weekly Journal. He is most known for being accused of seditious libel in trial. He revealed corruptness in colonial government and when he criticized the crown he was brought to trial in 1735. His trial would result in the freedom of press.

2. What was the controversy over his charges?

Talk about Hamilton's defense.The controversy was that although Zenger wrote stories critical of the government, they were true. Therefore, he thought the law itself was corrupt because it stated that criticism of the crown is against the law. In his trial, Zenger was lucky to have Andrew Hamilton in his defense. Both Hamilton and Zenger were truthful and admitted that Zenger had written critically of the Crown government. However, Hamilton stated that the articles were not libel because they were not false. By the end of the trial, Zenger was found not guilty and freedom of press was earned.

3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition?

This case influenced the American government tradition because it set a valuable precedent. The Zenger trial confirmed that all U.S. juries have the power and duty to nullify bad laws -- by not-guilty verdicts.

4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain.

The lasting significance of his trial is that it has allowed freedom of speech and press to become natural freedoms of the American citizens. His trial actually influenced Congress when making the amendments; the First Amendment was made to protect freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of worship, and of the press. Furthermore, today Zenger News Service, formed in 1982, distributes news and information to support individual liberties.

LAD #1 Mayflower Compact & Fundemental Orders

1) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?

The Mayflower Compact includes a form of government and protection of liberty. It also includes a system of laws, acts, constitutions, and officers for the good and protection of the colonists.

2) How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?

Although it establishes a self governing system for the colony, it is only a colony and the mother country rules over it. And the colony also feels ties to the mother country this is seen because the Compact states that it is signed in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King James.

3) How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?

The Fundamental Order differs from the Compact because it goes into much more detail of how it was going to govern its people and protect them. Furthermore, it calls for general assemblies, court systems, a magistrate, and a secretary. It contains more specific elements from a democracy.

4) What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?

The colonists are gathered together under the word of God and this requires peace and union of the colonist under a single government. The colonists must maintain liberty.

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?

The Orders reflect fear of usurping of power because much power is given to limit the rights of those participating in government. For example, deputies can fine anyone whom they believe is disorderly during a meeting. Also, a moderator can order the court to silence unseasonable and disorderly speakings.