We Are A Nation

This week we watched the final episode of Liberty which focused on how the nation would be governed. England saw the effort of the former colonists to establish a democracy an “experiment” that was bound to fail. Under the Articles of Confederation, our country was a weak alliance of states. Taxes could not be collected and outbreaks such as Shay’s Rebellion were difficult to quell.

Finally, in 1787 a strong group of Federalists arrived in Philadelphia with the idea of rewriting the Articles but it soon became apparent that a whole new government was required. James Madison, a 37 year old delegate from Virginia, came to the convention with the idea of a bicameral legislature. This kicked off the first major debate of the convention as to how the legislative branch should be organized. In class, you compared this plan with the New Jersey Plan (small state proposal) and the final Great Compromise or the Connecticut Plan. You will continue to work on the organization of our government (The Constitution) with your homework assignment. In addition, you have a “Who’s Who” assignment that requires you to identify the people who hold various offices today. You need to know who to contact if you have an issue with your government. You are only a few years away from being 18 and the right to vote so it is imperative that you start watching your elected officials now so you will be an informed voter.

Assessments for the American Revolution

Congratulations to all who exceeded or met standard on the recent take home assessments on the War. If you were asked to revise, I hope you took the opportunity. Revisions are a normal part of most tasks that we undertake in the outside world. Remember, even Thomas Jefferson revised the Declaration before it met the standard. Revisions were due on January 6.

Mid Term Exams

The exam period is fast approaching. You will be tested on Standards 1 and 2 which covers material through Chapter 5 in “Pathways” and Boorstin and Kelley. You will receive a study guide and you are encouraged to use your Portfolio assignments.

Trivia Question

In what scene does Napoleon Dynamite think and act like an historian?