Grade 11: US H & G

John Locke believed in the concept of natural rights - Life, Liberty, and Property

The Declaration of Independence encourages people to rise up against governments that do not work for the will and wishes of the general population.

The US Constitution attempted to address the failing of the Articles of Confederation by creating a 3 branched government with checks and balances. This replaced the one branch federal government of the Articles of Confederation, and also increased the power of the federal government and its superiority over the governments of the individual states

Paine mentions "markets" and expresses frustration with the way Britain had limited them. He encourages fellow colonists to fight for free markets so they can trade with anyone they choose to make money.

Many settlers in the colonies believed they should exercise their rights outlined in the English Bill of Rights. After the French and Indian War King George III and parliament passed many acts and taxes people believed infringed upon these rights.

After the war was won by the British their debt had risen to 132 million pounds!

Colonists had fought a bitter war in order to achieve their independence from an oppressive British government. Therefore, the Articles of Confederation were drafted in order to ensure that a strong central government would not be a problem.

Mercantilism is an economic policy that promotes government intervention and regulation of trade. The idea is to gain a national reserve through positive trade of finished goods. For colonists this meant limiting trading partners.

Europeans wanted to find a quicker way to reach Asia using the oceans to save time rather than travelling the silk road on land.

After the French and Indian War, King George III issued this demand to avoid more conflicts with Natives in the region. More conflict would mean more expenditures on wars. Colonists were unhappy with it because they wanted to keep moving westward into fertile areas along major river systems.

The Ohio River Valley just west of the Appalachian Mountains is fertile for farming. English colonists were farmers while the French and Native Americans used the land for hunting to bolster fur trade.

The Declaratory Act was passed by Parliament to ensure they had more power in the colonies. Colonists now feared even more taxes!

In the colonial era, England believed that the colonists existed for the sole purpose of being a trade partner and resource center of the mother country. This was exemplified by the acts and taxes passed before the American Revolution.

Hamilton did not agree with the idea of including a Bill of Rights because he believed a list would limit the rights that should be recognized. A list could not include all of the rights of the people.

The Declaration of Independence listed colonists grievances with King George III. Citizens, educated or not, could participate in government. However, a government can only rule if those who are governed by it agree to its principles.

Each self-government included democratic principles where people were able to elect representatives or vote within their own communities. Privileges were granted to free, white men, not women, slaves, or minority groups at the time.

Anti-federalists, such as Thomas Jefferson, believed a strong central government would result in tyranny (similar to King George's reign). To protect the people a BIll of Rights must be included in the Constitution.

The founding fathers feared an all-powerful national government (as England had been). So in creating the Constitution they felt a need to balance power between a national government and those of the states. Delegating some specific powers to the national government, as well as reserving some powers for the state governments placed limits on the power of each.

Native Americans introduced colonists to tobacco which would be grown in large quantities and sold for huge profits back in Europe.

Paine's work expressed a voice of independence. He sighted many problems the colonists should recognize as common sense and described grievances with King George III.

After initial contact with Europeans, Native Americans often died from disease because of a lack of antibodies and immunities to smallpox or even the flu. Later in the 1800's many Native Americans would die from starvation, exhaustion, murder, and relocation.

After the French and Indian War, King George III began imposing many taxes and acts on the colonists. Colonists resisted these as they prevented free trade, hurt markets, and disrupted their way of life.

Major harbors such as New York and Boston helped colonies in New England develop. The short growing season is the key phrase, differentiating New England from Southern colonies that had a longer growing season due to warmer climates.

Smaller states such as New Jersey feared domination of the national government by larger, more populous states. At the convention, smaller states argued for equal representation in government as to ensure their power. Larger states, such as Virginia, argued for representation based on population owing to their greater numbers and larger economies. “The Great Compromise” created a bicameral (or two-house) legislature (Congress) in which the upper house (the Senate) is based on equal representation (2 Senators from each state) and the lower house (The House of Representatives) is based on proportional representation related to population.

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut was the first constitution to exist in North America

Different geographic locations result in different climates and variances in natural resources. In the south warmer temperatures and fertile soil gave rise to agriculture while in the north fishing and large forests were great for building ships.

Zenger's lawyers, Hamilton and Smith attempted to establish the precedent that a statement, even if defamatory, is not libelous if it can be proved, thus affirming freedom of the press in America

The House of Burgesses is similar to today's House of Representatives where representatives are elected to hold up the ideas of the people.

The non-importation agreements and Boston Tea Party were both directed towards trade policies. These topics outline responses to the idea of mercantilism imposed on them by King George III.

Prior to the passage of the 17th Amendment in 1913, which provided for direct election of U.S. Senators, members of the House of Representatives were the only Federal officials that were voted into office by a popular vote of the people. Before 1913, U.S. Senators were elected by state legislatures.

John Locke's theory of natural rights greatly influenced the Declaration of Independence. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness

The consent of the governed is an idea born of the enlightenment and the writings of John Locke. This is the idea that a government gains its power via the willingness of the people to support it.

New Jersey, and other small states would like equal representation so their power is equal. Power based on population would render smaller states powerless in decision making.

Taxing is NOT a reserved power, it is a concurrent power. Concurrent powers are held by both the federal and state government. The federal government also has the power to tax so it is not reserved solely to the state.

Colonists had fought a bitter war in order to achieve their independence from an oppressive British government. Therefore, the Articles of Confederation were drafted in order to ensure that a strong central government would not be a problem.

The president has several executive powers given to them. Vetoing bills, appointing high officials, and declaring executive orders.

The preamble states the fundamental purposes, principles, and goals of the government established by the Constitution. Its purpose is to generally define the reasons behind the Constitution, establish what justifies a government, and explain how its citizens have come to create one.

The elastic clause or the necessary and proper clause in the Constitution, allows Congress to expand its powers beyond the actual text of the Constitution in order to carry out its duties of running the nation. In the case of the National Bank, Hamilton argued that creating the bank fell within the realm of a necessary and proper action, needed to effectively manage the US economy. The bank would remain a divisive issue in early American history as opinions differed over the legality of its creation. It was the center of the Supreme Court case McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) and the “Bank War” under President Andrew Jackson.

The Constitution does not outline any demand for the establishment of the President's advisers or cabinet yet every President has created one to help succeed.

The Bill of Rights only includes Amendments I - X. Because this is Amendment XIX, it shows that voting rights were not realized by women until after the Bill of RIghts were established, thus, everyone was not allowed to vote when they were originally adopted.

The Declaration of Independence simply lists the grievances colonists had against King George III in order to justify their separation from Britain.

The Elastic Clause is also known as the Blanket Clause, the Necessary and Proper Clause, and the CoEfficient Clause. It has been used to create "implied powers" that are necessary and proper for the federal government to carry out its duties.

Checking and balancing involves the ability of each of the three branches of government to regulate and monitor the power of the others. In this case the ability to veto a law ensures that the legislative branch is not passing laws the go beyond their duties or powers. The president can “check” their actions by rejecting the legislation.

Judges rarely have the same views on all issues. In fact, it wouldn't make sense for judges to do so when ruling on matters. Seeing the long-term effects is a natural part of the job, but holding a life-long position allows judges to avoid politics and let their judgments be authentic and sound to their beliefs.

Federalism is the principle that government is run by a single union on different levels. In the United States there is the federal (national) government and state governments as well as local governments that must act together. This is NOT separation of powers because this does not discuss branches of government.

The main roles of the President also include Chief Executive, Judicial Enforcer, and Chief Diplomat. The president has many responsibilities.

Alexander Hamilton and many within his Federalist supporters distrusted the uneducated, rural population of America and did not wish to extend them too much say within government. This is evident in the Constitution as ratified in 1789, as the only direct election called for was for the lower house of Congress (House of Reps.). Senators were originally selected by the legislatures of the states and the president in-directly elected by an electoral college.

Electors are supposed to vote the way the popular vote goes but there have been unfaithful electors in nearly 1/3 of the country's 56 elections!

A candidate under the present "two party system" that exists in the U.S. only needs to win a simple majority (half+1) to win. 270 votes is the magic number.

Concurrent powers, such as taxation, are granted to BOTH the federal and state government

Freedom of speech is limited when it promotes clear and present danger to the American people. Remember, this term, like many in the Constitution, are written "loosely" so that they are open to interpretation in future settings as the world changes.

Habeas corpus is a writ that prevents people from being arrested and held without due process to minimize tyranny and injustice. It may be suspended in times of chaos as was done by Abraham Lincoln.

An executive privilege is reserved to the President or other members of the Executive Branch. Vetoing bills is an example of the President's power and is also an example of how the Executive Branch may check on the Legislative Branch.

In addition to this, many argue that the Electoral system is archaic and does not represent the will of the people. The Electoral System also encourages a two party system in the US.

English colonists in particular were afraid of a strong central government abusing their rights. They wanted a set of rights similar to the English Bill of Rights. Anti-Federalists argued with Federalists to make sure this was included before the Constitution was ratified.

The unwritten Constitution has come about through custom and usage over the past 200+ years. It implies that there are ideas; actions and concepts that are not actually in the Constitution itself, but that have arisen as a natural extension of its use. The cabinet is not directly addressed in the document, but has arisen over time as a means of advising the president.

The electoral system is often criticized by many people. Although electors should vote the way the people ask them to sometimes they don't. These people are called faithless electors.

The Whiskey Rebellion may not have been as serious a threat as made out to be but it served Washington by providing him with an opportunity to flex the federal muscle!

Democratic-Republicans were in favor of smaller governments and feared wealthy Americans would manipulate the Constitution to fit their needs. The Democratic-Republicans were more traditional, believing in agriculture and the power of the masses.

Washington believed the new country needed to focus on domestic affairs and should stay out of other countries' problems. He also believed political parties would divide the nation.

The specific power of Judicial Review is not addressed in article 3 of the Constitution, however many Constitutional scholars agree the founding fathers meant the Supreme Court to have this power. The court’s decision in Marbury v. Madison (1803) effectively cemented the Supreme Court’s claim to judicial review, in which the court first stated the right to declare laws unconstitutional.

The elastic clause or the necessary and proper clause in the Constitution, allows Congress to expand its powers beyond the actual text of the Constitution in order to carry out its duties of running the nation. In the case of the National Bank, Hamilton argued that creating the bank fell within the realm of a necessary and proper action, needed to effectively manage the US economy. The bank would remain a divisive issue in early American history as opinions differed over the legality of its creation.

Strict constructionists would argue that the Constitution does NOT state the government had the authority to make such a purchase. A loose constructionist would say the government does have the right to do what is best for the country.

John Marshall had been nominated by John Adams and was a strong Federalist judge. As Chief Justice, Marshall moved the Supreme Court to decisions that favored and strengthened the Federal Government and its superiority over the states. Decisions such as McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), Gibbons v. Ogden (1824) and others are testimony to this expansion and protection of the federal government.

This act attempted to address the emotions stirred up by the French Revolution overseas. The new US government worried it would be overthrown already. Most of the acts expired by 1801.

The occupation and control of New Orleans was essential for the growth of America's economy. Jefferson and Livingston could not refuse the deal that was offered though!

Federalists wanted to improve the country from the top down meaning let the wealthy and intelligent do the work and modernize through industry.

Washington believed the US, a newborn country, needed time to develop its government, economy, and military and was adamantly against becoming involved in any foreign affairs.

Washington was a supporter of a strong national government. He enacted policies such as the creation of the National Bank (part of Hamilton’s financial plan) and the use of federal troops to quell the Whiskey Rebellion to effectively use the powers of a strong federal government.

Tariffs are taxes on IMPORTS. Goods coming from overseas would not have extra costs added on to make these products more expensive than domestic, or Made in the USA products so people would want to buy local goods.

If the Constitution was to be ratified many Anti-federalists worried the national government would have too much power.

Hamilton knew the country needed money and would have to borrow it. By making debt then paying it off the new nation would build its credit.

Adams, Riis, and Tarbell all targeted different problems caused by the Industrial Revolution. Although American improved it mainly benefited the wealthy. The Progressive Era helped the working class and middle class develop rights and a voice for equality.

Boss William Tweed was the head of Tammany Hall and held large stakes of land and interest in the Tenth National Bank and Erie Railroad. It is estimated he stole up to $200 million from NYC taxpayers in his reign.

Many avenues have been tried in efforts at reform. Jane Addams worked to aid the new immigrants in adjusting to American society by way of settlement houses, such as her Hull House in Chicago. Ida Tarbell was a muckraking journalist who’s expose “The History of Standard Oil” in Harpers, helped to bring about the antitrust case against Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Company. Finally Booker T. Washington wanted to help African-Americans achieve social equality through the attainment of vocational education that would allow them to first achieve economic equality

Each of these pieces of legislation limited the corruption of big businesses for the interest of the general consumer. Products were made safer for consumption.

Washington was a national leader of African Americans and believed in self-preservation meaning he felt African Americans needed to improve their own standards of living outside of white American's assistance and regardless of policies.

Washington developed this school in 1881. The main goal was not to produce farmers and tradesmen, but teachers of farming and trades who taught in the new schools and colleges for blacks across the South

Riis and Steffens used their talents to create awareness of the inequality in America. Their work influenced politicians and citizens to enact change and improve living/working conditions for Americans in cities.

The decline in child labor from 1890-1920 shows legislation was changing this practice. Families still needed all members to attempt to bring in income but education was becoming more valued and a rising middle class limited child labor practices.

Muckrakers demanded reform on big businesses and corrupt institutions. Men like Upton Sinclair, author of The Jungle, exposed the indecencies of big businesses and created awareness and pressure on politicians.

This political cartoon targets political and economic corruption. Notice how "liberty" is under distress from the ape symbolizing trusts in America.

Women in the era worked hard to gain the right to vote. The "Sufferage Movement" was successful as the 19th Amendment was passed in 1920.

The initiative is a process that enables citizens to bypass their state legislature by placing proposed statutes and, in some states, constitutional amendments on the ballot. There are two primary types of referenda: the legislative referendum, whereby the Legislature refers a measure to the voters for their approval, and the popular referendum, a measure that appears on the ballot as a result of a voter petition drive. Recall is a procedure that allows citizens to remove and replace a public official before the end of a term of office.

This definition fits the term "Trust", one of the major issues of the era. They were able to manipulate price and quality without regard for the laws of supply and demand.

Between 1909 and 1913, several conditions favored passage of the Sixteenth Amendment. Inflation was high and many blamed federal tariffs for the rising prices.

These "anti-trust" acts were passed to regulate big businesses and control price. Knowing what a "trust" is would help answer this correctly! Look for this question in this quiz...

The government felt that labor union strikes and work seizures were going to hurt the US war effort. They stepped in to try and keep factories going and people at work.

The Kellogg-Briand Pact aimed to end war forever. It has clearly not lived up to its goals but the pact is actually still in place today.

Schenck v. the United States was decided by a unanimous vote. The Espionage Act was held up and limited citizens' rights to speak out against the draft.

The United States offered financial aid to Germany so it could make war reparations and avoid future conflict. The money would ultimately end up in US hands with interest and spark an era of growth.

MAIN - Militarism, Alliance Systems, Imperialism, and Nationalism are the main causes of WWI. Many countries that became involved in the war were "dragged" in because of their alliances or ties due to identifying with countries for economic or ethnic reasons.

During the Bolshevik Revolution, Lenin signed a peace treaty that took Russia out of the war. The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk enabled Germany to focus their efforts elsewhere.

The assassination of the Archduke exposed the alliance system that eventually dragged multiple nations into a war they did not intend to have.

The word irreconcilable means: representing findings or points of view that are so different from each other that they cannot be made compatible. The idea of isolation and joining the League of Nations do not match as isolationists did not want to become involved in world affairs.

Approximately 2,000 Americans were prosecuted under the Act's legal stipulations and 1,500 actually served jail time. This showed American liberties could be denied, suspended, or interpreted differently especially in times of war.

Many Americans were split over who to side with. Ethnic backgrounds and history persuaded groups to identify with the Allies or Central Powers. German Americans and Irish Americans sided with the Central Powers at times while French Americans and English descendants recognized with the Allies.

The United States offered financial aid to Germany so it could make war reparations and avoid future conflict. The money would ultimately end up in US hands with interest and spark an era of growth.

The Dawes plan reduced Germany's reparations and provided loans to Germany. The Germans used this money to repay the Allies that used the money to repay the US for the loans given to them. The Young plan established the Bank for International Settlements to assist in the reparations process.

Enacted soon after the United States entered World War I in 1917, the Espionage Act prohibited individuals from expressing or publishing opinions that would interfere with the U.S. military's efforts to defeat Germany and its allies. It has since led to the repression of people during times of war and conflict in the US.

A unanimous Supreme Court, in a famous opinion by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., concluded that defendants who distributed leaflets to draft-age men, urging resistance to induction, could be convicted of an attempt to obstruct the draft, a criminal offense. The "clear and present danger" standard remains the test of criminal prosecutions, but the Court has set another line of precedents to govern cases in which the constitutionality of a statute is challenged on its face.

These pieces of legislation showed the United States understood their position during WWI. Congress was passing legislation that would eventually allow the US military to become involved if its hand was forced.

The graph focuses on the number of deaths by percentage each country experienced. Russia had some 12,000,000 casualties in WWI and this led to a low morale and pressure to exit.

The US did not want to become involved and many leaders wanted to stay neutral. It took years of broken promises by Germany and multiple incidents that took US lives as well as a secret letter to get the US to intervene with military force.

The United States had loaned large amounts of money to the Allies. If the Allies had lost the US would be out of millions of dollars so they had to help them win in order to ensure they'd receive it back.

The Central Powers were the opposite opponents of the Allied Powers.

Wilson disagreed with the harsh punishments on Germany. His Fourteen Points were focused on preventing another World War and he wanted to limit the munitions of major participants. The US never joined the League and it was dissolved in 1946 when it was moved to the United Nations.

The message came as a coded telegram dispatched by the Foreign Secretary of the German Empire, Arthur Zimmermann, on January 16, 1917. The message was sent to the German ambassador for Mexico, Heinrich von Eckardt. This helped to persuade Americans to join the war.

After Russia left the war the United States felt more vulnerable to communism and felt pressured to enter the war on the side of the Allied powers.

This political cartoon was created after the interception of the Zimmerman Telegram. It's main goal was to increase US support for entry into WWI by showing the US was "at risk" from the Central Powers.