L02 - Document - American Revolution

Question 1

What does John Adams describe as the foundation of good government?

Answer 1

Good government is an empire of laws.

Question 2

Why is it impossible for all members of a large society to assemble and make laws?

Answer 2

Because of the size and extent of the population and country, requiring power to be delegated to a few wise and good representatives.

Question 3

What does John Adams argue about placing all powers of government in one assembly?

Answer 3

He argues that it would lead to errors, corruption, and the abuse of power, making the people neither free nor happy.

Question 4

Why does Adams believe a single assembly is problematic?

Answer 4

1.It is prone to vices, passions, and poor judgments.

2.It may become greedy, exempting itself from burdens it imposes on constituents.

3.It could grow ambitious and perpetuate its own power.

4.It lacks the secrecy and speed needed for executive power.

5.It is unfit for judicial power due to being too numerous and unskilled.

6.It could make and execute arbitrary laws for its own interest.

Question 5

What solution does Adams propose for preventing the concentration of power in one assembly?

Answer 5

Creating a separate council, elected by the representative assembly, to act as an independent body with its own judgment and a negative voice in the legislature.

Question 6

What characteristics should the council have according to Adams?

Answer 6

It should consist of 20-30 members, have free and independent judgment, and act as an integral part of the legislature.

Question 7

Why does Adams advocate for dividing legislative, executive, and judicial powers?

Answer 7

To prevent corruption, arbitrariness, and the consolidation of power, ensuring checks and balances in government.

Question 8

What qualities does Adams attribute to a well-structured government?

Answer 8

It ensures representation, prevents arbitrary laws, and separates powers to maintain freedom and happiness for the people.

Question 9

Who wrote the letter dated March 31, 1776, and to whom was it addressed?

Answer 9

Abigail Adams wrote the letter to her husband, John Adams.

Question 10

What notable request did Abigail Adams make in this letter regarding laws?

Answer 10

She urged John Adams to “Remember the Ladies” when drafting the new code of laws and to provide them more favorable treatment than in the past.

Question 11

What was Abigail’s perspective on liberty and slavery?

Answer 11

She expressed skepticism that the passion for liberty could be equally strong in those accustomed to depriving others of theirs, noting it wasn’t based on the Christian principle of treating others as one would want to be treated.

Question 12

How did Abigail describe men’s natural tendencies regarding power?

Answer 12

She claimed that “all Men would be tyrants if they could” and advocated for limits on their power over women.

Question 13

What did Abigail threaten if women were not given attention and representation in the new laws?

Answer 13

She warned that women would “foment a Rebellion” and refuse to be bound by laws without their voice or representation.

Question 14

What title did Abigail suggest men should aspire to rather than “Master”?

Answer 14

She proposed that men should embrace the more tender and endearing title of “Friend.”

Question 15

What household task did Abigail say occupied much of her time?

Answer 15

She mentioned making clothing for her family to prevent them from being naked.

Question 15

What local health crisis did Abigail describe in her letter?

Answer 15

She detailed a canker fever epidemic that had taken the lives of two children in her neighbor’s family and afflicted many others in the area.

Question 16

What did Abigail mention about saltpeter production in the region?

Answer 16

She noted that a neighbor, Tertius Bass, had successfully made nearly 100 pounds of good-quality saltpeter.

Question 17

How did Abigail express her feelings about the lack of correspondence from John?

Answer 17

She said she wanted to hear from him much more often, noting that the last letter she received was dated March 8.

Question 18

How did Abigail sign off her letter to John?

Answer 18

She signed off as his “ever faithful Friend,” showcasing her affection and partnership.

Question 19

To whom and when did John Adams write this letter?

Answer 19

John Adams wrote the letter to his wife, Abigail Adams, on April 14, 1776.

Question 20

What excuses did John Adams offer for his short letters?

Answer 20

He cited the critical state of affairs and the “multiplicity of avocations” (his many duties) as his reasons.

Question 20

What did John Adams say about Virginia’s ability to defend itself?

Answer 20

He believed Virginia would make an able defense, citing its trained militia, nine battalions of “regulars,” firearms manufactories, and success in producing saltpeter.

Question 21

How did John describe North Carolina in terms of military readiness?

Answer 21

He called North Carolina a “warlike Colony” with several Continental battalions and a good militia ready to assist Virginia.

Question 21

What was John’s view on the social structure in Virginia?

Answer 21

He noted the inequality of property in Virginia created an aristocratic nature, with wealthy gentry dominating proceedings and resisting common sense.

Question 22

What did John Adams criticize about the colonies’ reactions to British strategies?

Answer 22

He called out their gullibility, including being duped by false promises from British figures like Lord Dunmore and the notion of commissioners coming to negotiate with Congress.

Question 23

How did John relate Boston’s reaction to British promises?

Answer 23

He recalled Boston’s delusion during the winter before last when even their best and sagest friends were misled.

Question 24

How did John Adams respond to Abigail’s call for independence?

Answer 24

He urged patience, suggesting that independence was already in motion through privateering and commercial laws, implying that formal declarations were less significant.

Question 25

How did John react to Abigail’s “extraordinary Code of Laws”?

Answer 25

He laughed, suggesting that while men’s power was theoretically in place, in practice, men often acted as subjects rather than masters.

Question 26

What was John’s reaction to Abigail’s request to “Remember the Ladies”?

Answer 26

He joked that the demands of women were like a rebellion, but he dismissed the idea of repealing “Masculine systems,” arguing that doing so would subject men to “the Despotism of the Petticoat.”

Question 27

How did John describe men’s position of power in practice?

Answer 27

He admitted that while men hold the theoretical power, they “dare not exert it in full Latitude” and must act “fair and softly,” often being the true subjects.

Question 28

What conspiracy did John jokingly suggest about British influence?

Answer 28

He mockingly suggested that the British Ministry, after stirring up various groups, had now inspired women to demand new privileges and threaten rebellion.

Question 28

What societal changes did John mention were attributed to the struggle for independence?

Answer 28

He noted that the struggle had loosened bonds of government, with children and apprentices disobedient, schools turbulent, and enslaved people and Indigenous individuals growing resistant.