United States History Essay

Submitted By coreybanxx
Words: 759
Pages: 4
Open Document
Chapter 7 Assignment

1.) Discuss the Articles of Confederation: how did they come about? Was the government under the Articles of Confederation an outright failure or were they just not adequate for the challenges the young nation faced? Why or why not? Explain the circumstances of the event that prompted a heightened awareness of the Articles’ shortcomings and led to the events at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787.

The Articles of Confederation was the first document to explain the terms of a national government. It reserved substantial powers for the states and granted sovereignty, freedom, and independence. It was established in 1777 by congress. “Its powers included conducting foreign relations, mediating interstate disputes, controlling maritime affairs, regulating Indian trade, and valuing state and national coinage” page 168. Eventually, the Confederation Congress wanted to revise the Articles of confederation, and in May of 1787, 55 men who represented each state except for Rhode Island, met in Philadelphia. “Most delegates to the Constitutional Convention were substantial men of property. They wanted to give the national government new authority over taxation and foreign commerce, but also sought to advance their states’ interests” page 173.

2.) We want to give ample treatment to the Constitution. What role did James Madison play – why were his contributions to the development to the document critical (and what were these contributions)?

James Madison was known as the “Father of the Constitution”. He was elected President of the United States in 1808. He was one of the dozen men that really put in a lot of work during the convention. He graduated form Princeton and was raised in West Virginia. He was good friends with Thomas Jefferson and kept up with national politics. “To prepare for the Philadelphia meeting, Madison bought more than two hundred books on history and government, analyzing their accounts of past confederacies and republics” page 174. He also wrote a paper, “Vices of the Political System of the United States”, which revealed his belief that the government be constructed so that it could not become tyrannical. He also influenced the development of the Virginia and New Jersey Plans.

3.) What was the importance of compromise in formulating the Constitution? Describe the significant compromises that occurred in Philadelphia; give details.

“Political stability would result from compromises among the contending parties” page 174. The Virginia Plan was brought about on May 29 by Edmund Randolph. It showed Madison’s conception of national government. The Virginia Plan was aiming towards national consolidation and provided for a two-house legislature. The lower house would be elected by the people, and the upper house by Congress. Representation in both houses was proportional to property or population. Many delegates in smaller states disagreed with the Virginia Plan and came up with an alternative to it which is known as the New Jersey Plan. The New Jersey Plan called for strengthening the Articles rather than
Show More

Related Documents: United States History Essay

History Of The United States

Republican Reconstruction, while a carpetbagger was the name given to many Northerners who moved to the south after the Civil War and supported the Republicans. 2. Manifest Destiny was the popular idea in the United States that the country must expand its boundaries to the Pacific Ocean. The United States wanted to spread the ideals of freedom and democracy. 3. Lincoln increased the navy so that he could have more boats built to block the south from trading which was the Naval Blockade of the South. Also…

Words 515 - Pages 3

The History Of The United States Constitution

Hannan Julian Mr. Thomson APUSH-2 September 27, 2014 September 26, 1787 My fellow citizens from the great state of Virginia, I, Hannan Julian, have attended the Constitutional Convention of 1787 for our state. Our country has called for a replacement of the Articles of Confederation and created the United States Constitution. This is because our country in not united and each state has gone their own way as far as; trading, military and taxes. The Constitution will strengthen our federal government…

Words 522 - Pages 3

History Since Reconstruction: History In The United States

Giannie Rodriguez US History Since Reconstruction History is everywhere and is being made everyday. Whether or not one sees it; history is inescapable. When asked why we study history many do not know how to answer. They usually respond with “because it is important”or “because we need to know it”. What they fail to say is why do we need to know history and why it is important. Many know they need to know history but do not understand why. History is studied in many countries for the reason that…

Words 431 - Pages 2

Essay History: United States and Equality

November 25, 2012 The Characteristics of the United State of America The character of the United States of America has been an ever changing dynamic since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Since that time the character of this great nation has been built upon making it what it is today. Because of the many events in the history of the United States it is characterized by independence, freedom, equality, innovation and a nation of vast lands where people of all races live together…

Words 1245 - Pages 5

Timeline Of The History Of The United States Essay

Timeline of the History of the United States of America By Kristine Chillura • 1754-1763 • 1763 • 1764 • French and Indian War • Treaty of Paris • Proclamation of 1763 • Sugar Act • Currency Act • May - James Otis raises the issue of taxation without representation • August - Merchants in Boston boycott British luxury goods • 1765 • March – Stamp Act • March – Quartering Act • May – Patrick Henry presents the seven Virginia Resolutions to the House of Burgesses • July –…

Words 2448 - Pages 10

History: United States and America Essay

The role of the US today. Throughout our history, American citizens have been inspired by our political, religious, and economic freedoms to act as ambassadors of liberty. As missionaries, merchants, and medics, America has established schools, orphanages, and hospitals. They have translated literature, educated children, and inspired political reform in countries around the world that were oppressed and impoverished. The civic engagement of the individual American citizens and their commitment…

Words 751 - Pages 4

Comparing Impeachments In United States History

Emily Cabrera Mr. Vincentty Constitutional Law June 3, 2024 Comparing Impeachments Impeachment is a process only three presidents in United States history have had the luxury of experiencing: Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump. The U.S. government website defines impeachment as "the process of bringing charges against a government official for wrongdoing.” Federal officials, including the President, can be impeached solely on the grounds of bribery, treason, and “other high crimes…

Words 1957 - Pages 8

Analyzing The History Of Drugs In The United States

Present By Aaron Holmes On December 4, 2014 To Dr. Montgomery-Scott CJ519 Final Paper Analyzing the History of Drugs And Understand the Drug Laws, Drug Problems, Drug Use and Abuse In America I will discuss the history of drugs starting with the Drug regulation from 1914 – 1937. Then I will talk about drugs in relation to witchcraft. Drugs use with witchcraft had a special effects on the brain and body. Heroin cause a major uproar during the 1960s and 70s. After looking at the heroin…

Words 4040 - Pages 17

History Of Lithuanian Americans To The United States

such as Latvia, Belarus, Russia, and Poland (1073). This paper will seek to describe Lithuanian’s lifestyles, religion, politics and government, and its citzens’ immigration to the United States. There were two waves of Lithuanian immigrants that came to the United States. The first wave was seen in the United States in the late 1860s. This group lacked education and skills; thus, they accepted any job that was offered to them. It was extremely common to be working in the coal mining industry because…

Words 635 - Pages 3

Notes: History Of Business In The United States

and increasing their value for customers. c. A Business: An organization that provides goods or services to earn profits. d. Business: Any activity that seeks to profit by providing goods and services to others. 2. History of Business in the United States e. Colonial (1600-1800s): Focused mostly on religious freedom, but colonies functioned as business enterprises for their home countries overseas. i. Discovery, expansion, power, independence, industrialization, rural…

Words 2478 - Pages 10