American Heritage Readings

Question 1

KP: Chapter 7, “The Road to Philadelphia”

Answer 1

1 The delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 were deeply concerned about the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, particularly in terms of economic instability, interstate conflict, and the inability to raise revenue or defend the nation.
2 The convention aimed to create a stronger national government with the power to regulate commerce, raise taxes, and provide for the common defense, while still preserving a degree of state autonomy.

Question 2

KP: Chapter 8, “The Politics of the Convention”

Answer 2

1 The Constitutional Convention was shaped by political and ideological divisions between delegates, particularly between nationalists who wanted a strong central government and those who were wary of centralized power.
2 Compromises, such as the Great Compromise (bicameral legislature) and the Three-Fifths Compromise (slavery and representation), were key in securing agreement among different factions and regional interests.

Question 3

APT: “Political Economy” (p. 141)

Answer 3

1 The political economy of the early United States was characterized by tensions between those advocating for a market-oriented economy and those pushing for agrarian values, with differing views on the role of government in regulating economic activity.
2 Key debates included questions over the centralization of economic policy and the growing power of financial institutions, such as banks, that were seen as either a stabilizing force or a source of corruption.

Question 4

APT: James Madison, “Vices of the Political System of the United States” (pp.142-145)

Answer 4

1 Madison identified the central issue facing the early U.S. as a lack of unity among the states, resulting in unstable laws and conflicting policies, which threatened national stability.
2 He argued that a stronger central government was needed to curb the “vices” created by state-level conflicts, such as interstate tariffs and currency instability.

Question 5

APT: Alexander Hamilton, “Letter to James Duane” (pp. 151-153)

Answer 5

1 Hamilton expressed his frustration with the limitations of the Articles of Confederation, arguing that the U.S. government needed a more centralized structure to provide for national defense and economic stability.
2 He advocated for a stronger executive branch with the authority to act decisively, fearing that a weak central government would leave the country vulnerable to both internal and external threats.

Question 6

CR: The Constitution of the United States (Preamble and Seven Articles)

Answer 6

1 The Preamble outlines the purpose of the Constitution: to establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty.
2 The seven articles define the structure of the government: Article I (Legislative Branch), Article II (Executive Branch), Article III (Judicial Branch), and Articles IV-VII address state relations, amendments, and ratification.

Question 7

KP: Chapter 9, “Implementing the Constitution: Legislative and Executive Branches” (pp. 1-7)

Answer 7

1 The establishment of the legislative and executive branches required detailed planning to balance the powers between Congress and the President, ensuring neither could dominate the other.
2 The early debates over executive power highlighted tensions between those advocating for a strong, energetic presidency (e.g., Hamilton) and those favoring a more limited role (e.g., Jeffersonians).

Question 8

CR: Federalist #51

Answer 8

1 Federalist #51 emphasizes the importance of checks and balances in the new Constitution to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
2 Madison argues that the separation of powers ensures that ambition will counteract ambition, maintaining individual liberty by preventing the concentration of power.

Question 9

APT: “Citizenship and Community” (p. 126)

Answer 9

1 Citizenship is presented as both a legal status and a shared responsibility, with obligations to participate in political life and promote the common good.
2 The concept of community is tied to civic virtue and the idea that a strong, democratic society depends on individuals’ willingness to engage in collective actions for the welfare of all.

Question 10

APT: J. Hector St. John de Crevecoeur, “Letters from an American Farmer” (pp. 127-128)

Answer 10

1 Crevecoeur praises the American experiment as a unique opportunity for individuals to reinvent themselves in a society based on equality and opportunity.
2 He contrasts the American experience with European aristocracy, emphasizing how the “American farmer” represents a new type of citizen, free from the constraints of class and old-world rigidities.

Question 11

APT: Federalist Papers, No. 2 (pp. 129-130)

Answer 11

1 John Jay argues that the U.S. should be united under a strong central government to prevent foreign powers from exploiting regional divisions and internal conflicts.
2 He contends that shared history, common language, and mutual interests provide a natural basis for national unity, and that forming a union would strengthen the country’s ability to govern itself.

Question 12

APT: Corn Tassel (Onitositah), “Reply to the American Commissioners” (pp. 149-150)

Answer 12

1 Corn Tassel, a Cherokee leader, critiques American policies toward Native American tribes, rejecting the notion that they could simply be assimilated or displaced.
2 He defends the sovereignty and rights of Native American communities to govern themselves, asserting that their land and way of life are integral to their identity and autonomy.

Question 13

KP: Chapter 9, “Implementing the Constitution: Legislative and Executive Branches” (pp. 8-22)

Answer 13

1 The creation of a functional government under the Constitution required significant compromise and political maneuvering, particularly in the formation of the legislative and executive branches.
2 The debate over the role of the executive branch, especially concerning presidential powers, continued into the early years of the republic, with different factions pushing for different visions of presidential authority.

Question 14

APT: Federalist Papers, No. 70 (pp. 97)

Answer 14

1 Hamilton argues that a strong, energetic executive is essential for good government, as a single executive will be more decisive and accountable than multiple individuals sharing power.
2 He defends the unitary executive against fears that it could become tyrannical, claiming that a powerful presidency would be subject to checks by the legislature and judiciary.

Question 15

CR: Stacy Schiff, The Founders Saw This Insane Political Moment Coming 237 Years Ago

Answer 15

1 Schiff examines how the Founding Fathers, particularly Madison, anticipated many of the political divisions and challenges faced in contemporary American politics, especially the rise of factionalism.
2 The article discusses how the Founders’ concerns about political polarization and populism are still relevant today, providing a warning against the dangers of unchecked partisanship.

Question 16

KP: Chapter 10, “Ratification & Bill of Rights” (pp. 1-11)

Answer 16

1 The struggle over ratification was deeply influenced by debates over the need for a Bill of Rights, with Anti-Federalists arguing that individual liberties must be explicitly protected.
2 The eventual compromise was the promise to add a Bill of Rights, which helped secure the ratification of the Constitution by addressing concerns about protecting personal freedoms and limiting government power.

Question 17

CR: Federalist #10 (A lightly edited version can be found in APT, pp. 100-103)

Answer 17

1 Madison argues that a large republic can best control the effects of faction by preventing any single group from dominating, thus protecting the rights of minorities.
2 He contends that the extended republic created by the Constitution would dilute factionalism, making it less likely that any one faction could seize control of the government.

Question 18

APT: Brutus Essays (pp. 111-119)

Answer 18

1 Brutus, an Anti-Federalist, argues that the proposed Constitution would create a central government too powerful to be effectively controlled, threatening individual liberties and state sovereignty.
2 He believes that the large size of the proposed republic would make it impossible for representatives to truly understand or serve the needs of their constituents, leading to an unresponsive and distant government.

Question 19

APT: Federalist Papers, No. 1, No. 9 (pp. 94-95)

Answer 19

1 Federalist #1, by Hamilton, addresses concerns about the Constitution and defends the need for a strong national government to ensure the stability and success of the Union.
2 Federalist #9 discusses how a system of checks and balances would prevent any one faction or branch of government from becoming tyrannical, ensuring liberty and good governance.

Question 20

CR: Danielle Allen, “The Flawed Genius of the Constitution”

Answer 20

1 Allen examines how the Constitution, while innovative and foundational, was flawed in its treatment of slavery and exclusion of women and Native Americans.
2 She argues that the Constitution’s genius lies in its ability to be amended and adapted over time, providing the framework for ongoing struggles for equality and justice.

Question 21

KP: Chapter 10, “Ratification & Bill of Rights” (pp. 11-18)

Answer 21

1 The debates over the Bill of Rights reflected deep divisions between those who wanted explicit protections for individual rights and those who believed such protections were unnecessary or even dangerous.
2 Ultimately, the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution to ensure broader support for the new government, with the understanding that it would be a tool for protecting civil liberties against federal overreach.

Question 22

CR: The Bill of Rights (Amendments 1-10 of the Constitution)

Answer 22

1 The Bill of Rights guarantees fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, the right to a fair trial, and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.
2 It also sets limits on government power, ensuring that certain liberties and rights are protected from governmental infringement.

Question 23

APT: Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, “Correspondence on a Bill of Rights” (pp. 123-125)

Answer 23

1 Jefferson’s Position: Jefferson argues in favor of a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties, asserting that it is essential to safeguard against potential government overreach.
2 Madison’s Response: Madison initially disagrees with the need for a Bill of Rights, arguing that the Constitution itself already limits government power, but he later changes his stance, agreeing to the necessity of adding such protections to gain broader support.

Question 24

KP: Chapter 11, “Implementing the Constitutional System: Political Parties & the Judiciary” (pp. 1-10)

Answer 24

1 Political Parties: The chapter discusses how political parties emerged in the early republic, with the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans forming as opposing factions over issues like the scope of federal power and foreign relations.
2 Judiciary: The chapter highlights the role of the judiciary in interpreting the Constitution and shaping the balance of power between the branches of government, particularly through key cases like Marbury v. Madison.

Question 25

APT: George Washington, “Farewell Address” (pp. 183-185)

Answer 25

1 Partisanship and Foreign Alliances: Washington warns against the dangers of political parties and foreign alliances, advising the nation to avoid entanglements that could compromise its neutrality and independence.
2 National Unity: He stresses the importance of national unity, urging Americans to prioritize their shared interests over regional divisions and to maintain the republican virtues that sustain the nation.

Question 26

APT: “The Early National Era, 1792-1828” (pp. 159-164)

Answer 26

1 Federalism vs. States’ Rights: The period sees debates over the balance of power between the federal government and the states, with key moments like the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions challenging federal overreach.
2 The Rise of Political Parties: This era also marks the solidification of political parties, especially the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans, and the impact of key figures such as Jefferson, Madison, and Hamilton in shaping early American politics.

Question 27

APT: Thomas Jefferson, “First Inaugural Address” (pp. 186-187)

Answer 27

1 Unity and Reconciliation: Jefferson calls for national unity after a contentious election, emphasizing that despite political differences, all Americans share a commitment to the republic and democracy.
2 Limited Government: He advocates for a limited federal government, fiscal responsibility, and a return to simpler, more frugal government practices, in line with his Democratic-Republican principles.

Question 28

APT: Federalist Papers, No. 39 (pp. 103-105)

Answer 28

1 Nature of the American Republic: James Madison argues that the U.S. Constitution creates a government that is partly federal and partly national, with both federalism and republican principles ensuring a balanced system.
2 Popular Sovereignty: Madison stresses that the government derives its authority from the people, rejecting monarchy and aristocracy, and that the Constitution’s power should be limited by the consent of the governed.

Question 29

APT: Thomas Jefferson, “Kentucky Resolutions” (pp. 165-167)

Answer 29

1 States’ Rights: Jefferson argues that states have the right to nullify federal laws that they believe are unconstitutional, asserting the principle of states’ rights against federal overreach.
2 Alien and Sedition Acts: The resolutions were a direct response to the Alien and Sedition Acts, which Jefferson believed violated the First Amendment and encroached on states’ rights.

Question 30

KP: Chapter 12, “Growth of Franchise and Country” (pp. 7-20)

Answer 30

1 Expansion of Voting Rights: The chapter explores how the expansion of suffrage, particularly in the early 19th century, was critical in broadening political participation and enfranchising more citizens, especially white men.
2 Westward Expansion: It also discusses the role of territorial expansion in shaping national identity, the creation of new states, and the evolving American political landscape.

Question 31

APT: John C. Calhoun, “A Disquisition on Government” (pp. 243-249)

Answer 31

1 Theory of Government: Calhoun presents a theory of government based on the idea of concurrent majorities, where a balance of interests and veto power from minority groups is essential to prevent tyranny.
2 Defense of Slavery: Calhoun defends slavery as a “positive good” and argues that the federal government should not interfere with states’ rights in this matter.

Question 32

APT: Frederick Douglass, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”(pp. 272-275)

Answer 32

1 Hypocrisy of American Freedom: Douglass criticizes the gap between the ideals of American freedom and the reality of slavery, pointing out the moral and political contradictions in celebrating liberty while enslaving millions.
2 Call for Abolition: Douglass calls for immediate abolition and highlights the hypocrisy of a nation that celebrates freedom while perpetuating the institution of slavery.

Question 33

APT: George Fitzhugh, “Cannibals All! Or, Slaves without Masters” (pp. 276-278)

Answer 33

1 Defense of Slavery: Fitzhugh defends slavery as a more humane and stable system than Northern industrial capitalism, arguing that slaves were better cared for than Northern workers who faced exploitation.
2 Critique of Capitalism: He criticizes the capitalist system, suggesting that it is a form of enslavement for the working poor, and advocates for the paternalistic system of slavery as a model of social order.

Question 34

APT: Charles Sumner, “The Barbarism of Slavery” (pp. 330-333)

Answer 34

1 Moral Condemnation of Slavery: Sumner condemns slavery as a barbaric institution that degrades both the enslaved and the enslaver, undermining the moral integrity of the nation.
2 Call for Abolition: He urges for the abolition of slavery as a necessary step for the moral and political redemption of the United States.

Question 35

KP: Chapter 13, “The Second Founding”

Answer 35

1 Reconstruction Amendments: The chapter examines the impact of the Reconstruction Amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th), which abolished slavery, guaranteed equal protection under the law, and protected voting rights for African Americans.
2 New Definition of Citizenship: The chapter highlights how these amendments fundamentally transformed the Constitution by expanding the definition of citizenship and ensuring civil rights for all Americans, regardless of race.

Question 36

APT: United States Constitution, Amendments 13-15 (pp. 338-339)

Answer 36

1 Abolition of Slavery: The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, while the 14th Amendment guaranteed equal protection and due process under the law, and the 15th Amendment protected voting rights regardless of race.
2 Legal and Political Transformation: These amendments marked a legal and political revolution, redefining American citizenship and ensuring the civil rights of African Americans.

Question 37

APT: “Secession, Civil War, and Reconstruction” (pp. 309-313)

Answer 37

1 Secession and Civil War: This section discusses the secession of Southern states, the outbreak of the Civil War, and the ideological and political battles over slavery and the Union.
2 Reconstruction Efforts: It also examines the challenges and failures of Reconstruction, focusing on the efforts to rebuild the South and extend civil rights to former slaves.

Question 38

APT: Abraham Lincoln, “The Gettysburg Address” (p. 337)

Answer 38

1 Redefining the Union: Lincoln redefines the Civil War as a struggle not just to preserve the Union but to ensure that the nation is dedicated to the principles of liberty and equality.
2 A New Birth of Freedom: He calls for a “new birth of freedom,” highlighting the importance of the war in fulfilling the promise of the Declaration of Independence.

Question 39

APT: Abraham Lincoln, “Second Inaugural Address” (pp. 325-326)

Answer 39

1 Reconciliation and Healing: Lincoln calls for national reconciliation, urging the North and South to reunite and heal after the Civil War, with malice toward none and charity for all.
2 End of Slavery: He also emphasizes that slavery will be abolished, and the war was fought not just to preserve the Union but to bring about the end of slavery.

Question 40

APT: Alexander H. Stephens, “Cornerstone Address” (pp. 334-336)

Answer 40

1 Defense of Slavery: Stephens argues that the Confederacy’s founding is based on the “cornerstone” of slavery, asserting that slavery is the natural and moral foundation of Southern society.
2 Rejection of Equality: He rejects the idea that all men are created equal, arguing that the Confederacy is built on the belief that whites are superior to blacks.

Question 41

CR: James McPherson, “BYU Forum Address”

Answer 41

1 Emancipation Proclamation’s Impact: McPherson discusses the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation and how it marked a turning point in the Civil War, both as a military and moral measure.
2 Legacy of the Civil War: He reflects on how the war’s legacy, particularly the end of slavery, has shaped American society and its ongoing struggles for equality.

Question 42

APT: Thaddeus Stevens, “Speech on the Reconstruction Acts” (pp. 318-320)

Answer 42

1 Radical Reconstruction: Stevens advocates for a strong and radical Reconstruction plan that ensures full civil rights for freed slaves and guarantees their political participation in Southern states.
2 Punishment for the South: He argues that the South must be punished for seceding and rebelling, with the Union enforcing policies that ensure the protection and integration of freed African Americans into American society.

Question 43

CR: Eric Foner, The Second Founding: How the Civil War and Reconstruction Remade the Constitution, “Introduction: Origins of the Second Founding”

Answer 43

1 Transformation of the Constitution: Foner discusses how the Civil War and Reconstruction fundamentally transformed the U.S. Constitution, particularly through the Reconstruction Amendments, which expanded civil rights and redefined citizenship.
2 Ongoing Struggles for Equality: He highlights that while these amendments were a victory for civil rights, they also set the stage for continued struggles over racial equality and the meaning of freedom in America.