LAD # 4: The Federalist #10

1. Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?
Factions are so difficult to eliminate because they are essential to survival. In this passage they state “by destroying the liberty which is essential to its existence” is the only way to eliminate the causes of a faction. One of the only other ways it is possible to do away with factions is by giving all the citizens the same take on everything: giving each the same opinion, passions, and interests. They also state how true the saying goes that says “the remedy is worse than the disease,” trying to show us that in fact having a faction is much less a problem then trying to do away with it as a whole. It would create and be the cause of too many much larger problems, and would be better off left alone or controlled.
2. If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled?
When factions cannot be removed it is important that they can be controlled. In some ways can these groups actually be controlled, and control its effects. If the faction does not consist of the majority, then it’d be unable to execute or hide its violence under the constitution. It should always remain in the hands of the form of popular government. It must make sacrifices to be in the interest of both the public good and the rights of all citizens, and secure the public good and private rights against the danger of such a faction. We must preserve popular government and be adopted by all of mankind. It must take interest in the majority and share the same passions, and we should run on the system of a democracy. There should exist both the Republic and the Democratic both which take on two different perspectives, and help to refine public views.

LAD #3: Declaration of Independence

It is important to do away with political band which divide us, and come together and create a document of natural laws we are entitled to with opinion of mankind and declare the causes which made us separate.
All men are created equal, and should have unalienable rights such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If ever a government tries to do away with these rights or limit them, the people have a right to alter government in protection of these civil liberties. All past experience has shown mankind to suffer as they follow instead of abolish the evils they are accustomed to, but as these abuses continue, it is their duty to throw off such government to provide security. In the past the King of Great Britain has led them to face horrible tyranny, and thus we must prove to the states of his rule.
He has refused to cooperate with new laws and forbidden his own government to pass any laws without his full consent. He refused to pass large laws which would accommodate large districts of people unless it was in his greater favor, redoubtable to tyrants only. He has gathered legislatures and tired them into agreement with his ideas and has done away with representative houses who disagreed with them. Refused to hold elections and prevented large populations of people from experiencing these natural rights in the colonies. He has done away with administration in justice by disagreeing with laws creating a judiciary branch, and made judges dependent upon him, as well as done away with a large sum of other new offices. He’s kept armies among us without our permission, has threatened military independence among us, and has made allies to better command us overseas who don’t appreciate our laws and agreeing with them in their acts of an imitation government.
For dividing troops among us, protecting those in mock trials who kill in the states, who cut off our trade with the world, all while imposing taxes on us without our agreement. They deprived us of a trial by jury, and transporting to be tried for fake crimes. They abolished the free system of laws in neighboring communities, subjecting them to absolute rule, taking away charters, and doing away with our most important laws, while altering our form of government. They gave themselves the power to legislate for us, then declared us out of his protection, waged war against us, and resigned his government. He has demolished our seas, coasts, towns, and lives, and has transported large armies to kill and bring tyranny among our nation. He has taken our men captive, and has riled up domestic revolution among us threatening to face us with Indian savages who know, no more than killing and warfare.
In all stages we have requested to equalize terms, and they have been answered only by repeated hostility, making anyone with qualities of a tyrant, unfit to rule the free people. We have warned the British what consequences would be if they tried to extend unjustifiable legislature over us, and appealed to their native justice with the ties of our common relatives. They’ve been ignorant to justice and we must comply with the accusers in order to hold them enemies in war.
So, as representatives of the United States of America, and in General Congress appealing to the Supreme Judge do publish these thoughts to the people, and do declare that these United States have the right to be FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES. They are released from rule of Britain government and all political connection between them. As independence states they have power to impose war, terminate war, make allies, institute commerce, and do all acts which sovereignty brings. And with protection of Divine Providence, the people who support this declaration pledge their lives, fortunes, and honor.

Political Cartoon #1: The American Rattlesnake

1. Interpret the cartoon. What historical event/issue is being represented?
The historical event which is being represented is when peace negotiations began to take place and the new Colonists were trying to show the British the futility of anymore attempts to take control of the Americas. In the mouth of the rattlesnake also says that they [the colonists] have already twice managed “Burgoyn'd” British troops, and are ready to again strike if need be.

2. What is the message that the cartoonist is trying to convey? Which side of the issue does he support?
The cartoonist supports the independence and sovereignty of the new colonies. The message he is trying to convey is that the colonies have already defeated two of Britain’s troops and are willing to go again to defeat another one if the British is unwilling to give up control of the New World. He is trying to show the power of the Colonies and their ability to strike at anytime, and show that that they are determined to win their own independence free of British rule.

3. What effect(s) did this cartoon have on American History? What were the results of this issue being addressed?
The effect this cartoon had on American History was it’s ability to even more powerfully capture the support of the American people, and inspire people to more strongly fight the forces in which they are trying to seek independence and freedom from. The results of this issue being addressed helped to gain more support against the British and show people the power of the colonies, by representing themselves by something so fearful as a rattlesnake.

LAD #1- Mayflower Compact

1) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?
The concepts included in the Mayflower Compact were the colonies first attempts at a government, which was formed prior to disembarking on the Mayflower which sent many new colonists to the Americas in 1620. It was a basic agreement to establish a simple government in North Virginia in which the individual was submissive to the will of a majority. In this agreement vaguely outlined a democratic form of government which’s brief document still helped create a foundation for a solid democracy.
2) How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?
The Mayflower Compact reflects and is in attachment to both the “Old” and “New” worlds because it still stated loyalty to King James, and also a democratic declaration. Even though the new culture began to blossom in the Americas, the 41 white males who drafted this document listed “by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc” clearly paid respects to the mother country. However, the Mayflower Compact does go on further to state that a democratic style of government would be united with the old morals and ideology of the Old World.
3) How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact in that the Orders summarized the basic law of Connecticut the years of 1639 to 1662, and consisted of a preamble and eleven orders. It differed from the Mayflower Compact in the sense that despite it’s somewhat conciseness, it addressed many more topics in more specific ways. The eleven laws present were much more informative as to the way the government would be run, and how the colonists must conduct themselves. Voting and government held power, and court was addressed. Both documents lacked much detail, but you may compare the Compact and the Orders clearly as they both tackle more topics and issues facing the colonies.
4) What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?
In 1637, a commonwealth between the towns of Hartford, Wethersfield, and Windsor formed. It followed the event which suggested fixing the overall principles of current government. In the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut this came into play. They were able to make decisions to rely on written documents as their approach to government because of their mother country. Most colonists borrowed European philosophy and the British Magna Carta laid the foundation for parliament and citizens. It was the impact Europe had on the new colonies that led to the drafting of prewritten documents such as the Fundamental Orders.
5) In what significant way(s) does the Fundamental Orders reflect a fear of and safeguard against the usurping of power by one person or a chosen few?
The Fundamental Orders created a practical safeguard against individual groups seizing power in the colony. In stressing the importance of the whole colony, rather than an individual interest, the fear of individual attainment was displayed, and in order four, it states that one individual may not be chosen more than once in a period of two years. Also that the certain individual must be a member of some approved congregation, as well as public office, making many people unable to receive too much power.

LAD #2- Zenger

1. Who was John Peter Zenger?
Peter Zanger was publisher of the New York Journal, a publication that stood up against the then governor Cosby around the 1730s.
2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense.
Cosby charged Zenger with a libel suit and Zenger was imprisoned for 8 months. His defense was headed by Hamilton. In the end Hamilton appealed to the jury and Zenger was found not-guilty. He argued that Zenger could not be guilty of libel if he written the truth.
3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition?
It was decided at this hearing that a statement-even if it is defamatory cannot be considered libel if the statement is found to be true. It was a milestone case for freedom of the press. Also it was a landmark case for the little guy-it showed that the judicial system could not intimate in a libel case.
4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain.
Today our press has the ability to say and print almost anything and very rarely is they brought on libel charges. The press does not need to worry about offending powerful people and facing consequences unless the facts they report are truly libel.