Midterm take home activity topic worksheet
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Northern Virginia Community College *
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112
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Philosophy
Date
Apr 3, 2024
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Midterm Exam Take Home Activity
Topic Worksheet
Instructions:
Points Possible: 40 Points
What is your topic?
Why do Americans love to declare independence throughout the American Revolution. Secondary Source
Title of Secondary Source read: Why Americans love to declare independence
What is the author’s thesis? Rewrite it in your own words: The Declaration of Independence in 1776 was just the beginning, and there’d much to be gained from studying the subsequent history of various constitutions, manifestos, and secession that emerged over time. What evidence do they use to prove it (provide specific examples from the source with page numbers)? The argument that the American yearning for independence and revolutionary change had endured past the 1776 Declaration of Independence is bolstered by the author's numerous historical instances. The Republic of Indian Stream, where settlers in New Hampshire
attempted to start their own nation with a constitution in 1832, is one example of a post-founding
era desire for self-rule that the writers discuss on pages 1 and 2. Furthermore, the author addresses on page 3 John Brown's 1859 attempt—inspired by the Founders—to draft a new constitution with the goals of outlawing slavery and fostering integrated citizenship. In addition, the author emphasizes on pages 3 and 4 how the Confederate States of America, which were established during the American Civil War, were another example of a state that had declared its independence from the federal government, following in the footsteps of the Founders. Like the original Declaration of Independence, these examples show how different groups have attempted to claim their right to self-governance throughout history.
How could you use this article to help you build an argument about your chosen topic?
The essay provides a thorough examination of the persistent desire of Americans to proclaim their independence and claim their right to live on after the American Revolution. It emphasizes a recurring pattern of resistance against perceived injustices and a desire to reform governance according to ideologies or grievances through a wide range of historical examples, from territorial disputes to moral standards. The study illuminates the cultural and ideological roots driving this tendency by illustrating this historical continuity and the diverse causes behind declarations of independence. It also looks at how these statements have affected American law and government, demonstrating how important a role they have had in forming institutions and cultural norms. The essay examines several facets of American law and government through a critical perspective and proposes that declarations of independence can be used as a means of contesting and changing current structures that are thought to be insufficient or unfair.
Overall, it makes a strong case that connects historical occurrences with current perspectives on government and self-determination to shed light on the nuanced motivations behind Americans' long-standing history of declaring independence.
Make a list of 2-4 potential main ideas you might use to prove your argument (use complete sentences)?
Several major elements can be used to understand the American tendency to declare independence throughout history, even after the Revolutionary War. First, the enduring desire for self-rule demonstrates a cultural continuity that points to a deeply ingrained component of the country's identity. Second, the various justifications for declaring one's independence—
ranging from moral convictions to geographical disputes—highlight the complexity of the American quest for self-government. Thirdly, the way in which these proclamations have influenced institutions and society norms underscores their importance in transforming the political terrain of the United States. Ultimately, proclamations of independence represent a deep revolutionary spirit deeply embedded in American culture by criticizing the established quo
and pointing out perceived injustices and shortcomings in the current systems. When taken as a
whole, these ideas show why Americans have always supported declaring independence to stand up for their rights and reshape the course of history.
Primary Source #1 Title of Primary Source read: Declaring Independence Provide a short summary of the primary source (one full paragraph, 5-7 sentences): This primary source is an excerpt from a draft of the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson, in which he condemns King George III for perpetuating the African slave trade and inciting slaves to rebel against their American masters. Jefferson accuses the British monarch of violating the fundamental rights of life and liberty by engaging in "piratical warfare" and facilitating the
buying and selling of enslaved individuals. He criticizes King George for thwarting legislative attempts to abolish the slave trade and for manipulating
slaves into fighting against the American colonists. Jefferson's language underscores the hypocrisy of a Christian king endorsing such atrocities and highlights the moral outrage felt by many Americans towards the institution of slavery. How could you use this article to help you build an argument about your chosen topic (be specific)? This article provides historical context illustrating the value Americans placed on unanimity before declaring independence, highlighting their cautious approach due to hopes for reconciliation and fears of foreign intervention. It also showcases Thomas Jefferson's condemnation of British oppression, particularly regarding the slave trade, emphasizing how grievances against tyranny fueled the desire for independence. By examining these factors, one could argue that Americans' love for declaring independence stemmed from a deep-seated commitment to liberty, a willingness to resist oppression, and a determination to assert their rights, even in the face of formidable challenges and risks.
What piece of evidence would you use from this primary source (be specific, feel free to quote sections of the document)? I would choose the passage from this original source where Thomas Jefferson denounces King George for sustaining the African slave trade and encouraging enslaved people to rebel against their American owners. I would draw attention to Jefferson's charge that the King "prostituted his negative" by consistently rejecting bills intended to curtail the slave trade, so permitting the persistence of this "execrable commerce." I also want to highlight Jefferson's description of King's conduct as hypocritical, as he denounces African enslavement but makes money from their labor and encourages them to revolt against their American rulers.
Primary Source #2
Title of Primary Source read: Original Rough Draft of the Declaration of Independence Provide a short summary of the primary source (one full paragraph, 5-7 sentences): The main source is Thomas Jefferson's 1776 "Rough Draft" of the Declaration of Independence. It highlights the inalienable rights of every person to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and
describes the factors that led the American colonies to decide to secede from British authority. Jefferson lists numerous issues he has with King George III, accusing him of oppression and tyranny, including his part in the continuation of the African slave trade. The text, which was altered prior to ratification, nevertheless emphasizes the colonists' determination to proclaim their independence and establish themselves as sovereign nations, prepared to risk their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor in defense of their beliefs.
How could you use this article to help you build an argument about your chosen topic (be specific)? This article sheds light on the original inclusion and later removal of passages denouncing British support for slavery, offering insightful information about the growth of the Declaration of Independence. It emphasizes the difficult difficulty of addressing the subject of slavery within the framework of declaring independence by following the editing and revision process of the Declaration. This historical background can be used to support the claim that the Declaration of Independence's hesitation to openly address slavery shows the complexities and conflicts within American society about this institution, underscoring the ongoing fight for justice and equality throughout the history of the country.
What piece of evidence would you use from this primary source (be specific, feel free to quote sections of the document)?
I would choose to use the passage from this original source where Thomas Jefferson denounces King George for enslaving people who are far away and for continuing the African slave trade. I would specifically draw attention to Jefferson's strong words when he called the King's acts a "cruel war against human nature itself" and charged him with "captivating & carrying [people] into slavery in another hemisphere." This passage demonstrates Jefferson's view that proclaiming
independence was necessary in order to fight oppressive practices like slavery and highlights his rejection of slavery as a violation of fundamental human rights.
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Now that you have your topic and have read three sources, try writing a focused question in words. (Actually, try writing a few. You can pick your favorite.)
How does the process of drafting the Declaration of Independence, including the editing of sections condemning British support for slavery, shed light on the motivations behind Americans' propensity to declare independence, particularly regarding issues of human rights and freedom?
In what ways do historical instances of Americans declaring independence, such as the Republic
of Indian Stream and John Brown's abolitionist movement, reflect diverse motivations ranging from territorial disputes to moral principles, and how do these motivations contribute to a broader understanding of the American inclination towards self-rule?
Through examining the consequences and impact of independence declarations on American law and governance, as well as critiques of the status quo embedded within them, how can we discern the underlying cultural and ideological reasons driving Americans' enduring tradition of declaring independence, and how do these reasons manifest in contemporary attitudes towards governance and self-determination?
Your Research Question:
Through examining the consequences and impact of independence declarations on American law and governance, as well as critiques of the status quo embedded within them, how can we discern the underlying cultural and ideological reasons driving Americans' enduring tradition of declaring independence, and how do these reasons manifest in contemporary attitudes towards governance and self-determination?
Reflect! Is your question...
Open and Debatable-- Does your question leave open the possibility for multiple points of view on your topic? Could someone argue the opposite?
Focused (not broad) -- Does your question narrow the topic down to a smaller size?
Specific (not vague) -- Can you name the elements you’re studying?
Answers the “so what?” question – Are you making a meaningful argument? Are you offering an interesting argument?