USSO 101- American Revolution and the Constitution
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School
The City College of New York, CUNY *
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Course
101
Subject
History
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by DeaconLyrebird3076
USSO 101- Homework #3
1.
Discuss Thomas Paine's influence, and Declaration of Independence
Thomas Paine was a significant figure in the American Revolution and had a profound influence on the movement for independence. His writings, particularly "Common Sense," played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and rallying support for the cause of independence.
"Common Sense" presented powerful arguments advocating for the separation of the American
colonies from British rule. Paine used straightforward and accessible language to convey his ideas, making his work widely read and understood by common people. He argued that it was only logical for the colonies to break away from British monarchy and establish a democratic republic. Paine’s writings had a transformative impact on the American colonists, who were increasingly inspired to support the idea of independence. "Common Sense" challenged the legitimacy of monarchy, promoted the principles of natural rights and popular sovereignty, and called for the establishment of a representative government.
Paine's influence extended beyond "Common Sense." He also penned "The American Crisis," a series of pamphlets that were distributed during the difficult years of the Revolutionary War. These pamphlets, with their stirring rhetoric and calls to action, provided encouragement and motivation to American soldiers and civilians alike.
The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, was a seminal document that formally declared the American colonies' separation from British rule. It was largely influenced by Enlightenment ideals, which emphasized the inherent rights of individuals and the legitimacy
of self-government. The primary author of the Declaration of Independence was Thomas Jefferson, who drew upon Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke when drafting the document. The Declaration asserted that all individuals are endowed with unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It also outlined the grievances against King George III and expressed the colonies' determination to establish an independent nation.The Declaration of Independence served as a powerful statement of the principles and aspirations of the American Revolution. It not only declared the colonies' independence but also laid the foundation for the formation of a new nation guided by democratic ideals and a commitment to
individual rights and freedoms.
2.
Discuss weakness of Articles of Confederation, and Shay's rebellion
The Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States, had several weaknesses that became apparent during its time in effect .Some of the main weaknesses:
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Weak Central Government: The Articles established a weak central government that lacked the power to enforce laws, regulate commerce, or levy taxes. The government had no executive branch and a weak legislative branch, which made it difficult to make and implement decisions at the national level.
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Lack of Unity and Coordination: Each state had its own interests and laws, leading to difficulties in achieving unity and coordination among the states. The central government had limited authority over the states, and there was no mechanism to resolve disputes or ensure cooperation between them.
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Financial Issues: The central government had no power to levy taxes, resulting in financial difficulties. It had to rely on voluntary contributions from the states, which
were often insufficient. The inability to generate revenue and pay off war debts led to economic instability and a loss of confidence in the government.
Shay's Rebellion, which occurred from 1786 to 1787, highlighted some of the weaknesses of the
Articles of Confederation. The rebellion was a response to economic hardships faced by farmers in Massachusetts. Key points about Shay's Rebellion:
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Economic Distress: Farmers in Massachusetts faced severe economic challenges, including high taxes, debt, and foreclosures. Many farmers were unable to pay their debts and faced the loss of their farms.
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Lack of Central Authority: The central government under the Articles of Confederation was unable to address the economic grievances of the farmers. The state government was unresponsive to their demands for debt relief and fair taxation.
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Armed Resistance: Led by Daniel Shays, a former Revolutionary War captain, a group of farmers rebelled against the state government. They protested against perceived injustices and sought to prevent the foreclosure of their properties.
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Implications for the Articles: Shay's Rebellion exposed the weaknesses of the central government's inability to maintain order and address economic grievances. It highlighted the need for a stronger and more centralized government that could address
issues at the national level.
Overall, the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, such as a weak central government, lack of unity, financial difficulties, and inadequate defense, were underscored by events like Shay's Rebellion. These weaknesses ultimately led to the calling of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, which resulted in the drafting of the United States Constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation.
3) Discuss at least 2 compromises in Constitution
The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise):
The Great Compromise resolved the conflict between larger and smaller states regarding representation in the legislative branch. The larger states advocated for representation based on
population, while the smaller states favored equal representation for all states. The compromise, proposed by Roger Sherman of Connecticut, created a bicameral legislature with two chambers:
- The House of Representatives, where representation is based on population, satisfying the larger states.
- The Senate, where each state is represented equally with two senators, appeasing the smaller states.
2. The Three-Fifths Compromise:
The Three-Fifths Compromise addressed the issue of how enslaved individuals would be counted for representation and taxation purposes. Southern states wanted enslaved individuals to be counted as part of their population for representation but not for taxation. Northern states, on the other hand, argued against counting enslaved individuals for representation. The compromise settled on counting each enslaved person as three-fifths of a free person for both representation and taxation purposes.
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