Courtney's Blog

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

LAD The Federalist # 10




Why are factions so difficult to eliminate?

Factions are extremely difficult to eliminate because the only 2 methods of elimination are destructive as a result. The first method would be to abolish liberty therefore factions would be disposed. The other method would be to have everyone have the same opinions, passions and interests. However, the second method is unpractical due to the fact that different opinions will always be formed by someone in any situation.



If factions cannot be removed then how can they be controlled?


Factions can be controlled by controlling various and interefering interests such as the unequal distribution of property. A landed interest, a manufacturing interest , a mercantile interest and a moneyed interest grow up in a civilized nation and as a result are separated into different classes with different views and sentiments. Therefore the principle task of modern legislation is to regulate these interest forms.

Monday, September 18, 2006

Courtney Sant
Decarlo

LAD 4 Summarization of the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal and that certain rights such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are unalienable rights. If any of these rights have been violated it is in the hands of the people to change the government. Repeated injustices by the King have occurred and therefore the Declaration for Independence is necessary for the colonies to break away and form a new government. Such injustices include: cutting off trade with foreigners, standing armies present in the colonies without consent from the colonists, imposing taxes without consent etc. For every misdemeanor the King imposed upon the colonists, petitions were sent only to be responded by a further injury. With prior fair warning of appeals, the colonists found it necessary to separate from Britain and become United Colonies who are free and independent states. All connections with the British government are abolished.

Wednesday, September 13, 2006





1. Interpret the cartoon. What historical event/issue is being represented?

This historical event being represented is the capture of the British army at Saratoga and Yorktown by the Americans. The empty snake coils represent the vacant room for another British army to be captured.

2. What is the message that the cartoonist is trying to convey? Which side of the issue does he support?

The message conveyed by the cartoonist is that the Americans will continue capturing the British army. It is evident that the cartoonist supports the American side because the captions on the cartoon states "Britons within the Yankeean Plains, Mind how ye March & Trench, The Serpent in the congress reigns, As well as in the French." This quote explains how the British is unsafe within American territory and also describes how the congress (americans) reign.

3. What effect(s) did this cartoon have on American History? What were the results of this issue being addressed?
The effect of "The American Rattlesnake" boosted the confidence of the Americans as well as increased their motivation to pursue independence from the British. The cartoon addressed that these captures at Yorktown and Saratoga prove the strength of the Americans. Also, "The American Rattlesnake" raised the awareness of the Americans that the British can be beaten. This is a critical event in American History which was one of the leading events to the final separation from Great Britain and the ultimate formation of the United States.

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Zenger Trial

1. Who was John Peter Zenger?
John Peter Zenger was the founder and printer of the New York Weekly Journal which voiced the opposition of Governor William Cosby's policies. On Sunday, November 17, 1734 he was arrested and charged with seditious libel and then spent more than eight months in prison. Zenger was defended by lawyer Andrew Hamilton and was ultimately found not guilty.

2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense.
The controversy was that Zenger was convicted due to true publications. Hamilton therefore defended his case stating that Zenger wrote the offending stories but because the publications were true Zenger was not libel. In addition, Hamilton used laws and facts throughout his appeal and ultimatley swayed the jury to acqquite Zenger.

3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition?
This case set a precedent against judicial tryanny in libel suits. Also it established a policy of without falsehood, there (usually) can be no libel. The Zenger trial was a huge victory for freedom of press.

4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain.
The Zenger trials are still discussed today by our nation's leaders. When looking over the First Amendment the Zenger trial was considered and therefore the First Amendment now includes freedom of press. This establishment of freedom of press is critical to the functioning of the America. The press allows the people learn and maintain our other freedoms as well as fuels the press industry in America such as the Zenger News Service.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

1) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?
The concepts included are unity, preservation of the just laws and practices, loyalty to King James and the establishment of a political body in which the people have a voice.

2) How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?
The Mayflower Compact reflects an attachment to the “Old” world by swearing to loyalty to King James. The compact reflects an attachment to the “New” world because it establishes a policy which benefits the new colony.

3) How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?
The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut set down specific rules whereas the Mayflower Compact was a general agreement.

4) What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?
Colonists realized that in order to maintain peace and union the colonists must gather as a people and establish a government in order to deal with affairs of the people.

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?
One way in which an usurping of power by one person is prevented is the time limit set on political positions. In addition, elections must occur in order for one hold a political position such as governor. Also, the Order calls for the stopping of an election which is illegal in some way.