The boisterous sea of liberty is never without a wave

   

“The boisterous sea of liberty is never without a wave.” - Thomas Jefferson

    The retired Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter to his friend Marquis de Lafayette in 1820 as an attempt to justify spreading human slavery across America. Lafayette had identified the hypocrisy of slavery in the United States since the American Revolution. Jefferson argues that spreading human slavery "thinly" across the West would "dilute" the institution's power and lead to the end of slavery in America.

    This issue of course came up in 1820 when the territory of Missouri attempted to enter as a state. Many believed that its position on slavery would set a precedent for all new states in the West. 

Looking at the Missouri Compromise that was created by Henry Clay, would you say that the pro-human slavery factions won or did the 36' 30' line set a  precedent that gave the anti-slavery factions a victory.

    If you feel that no one has won, share why.

As is our practice write your answer into the comments section, and reply to the the comments of at least two other classmates

A Principled Jefferson(?)

 We have read about all of President Jefferson's actions as our nation's leader from 1801-1809. We have also begun discussing a number of his policies in class.

This morning, take a look back at our readings, the posted videos and our lessons and answer the following question in the comments' section:

What is a decision/policy made by President Jefferson that contradicts his principles of Laissez Faire governing and having a strict interpretation of the United States Constitution? 

Include a brief description of the policy/decision followed by a short argument supporting your position.

As is our practice, we will reply to two other comments.

Jefferson's DC Capitol

  We have read about President Jefferson's ideas about the role of government as well as his early policies as president. after reading the description of the nation's new capitol answer the question below:

Is Washington DC, as it is described in our readings, a match
with the type of nation President Jefferson desires?

As is our practice, answer the question using KEY TERMS in the comment section and then reply to the comments of two of your classmates.

Were the Federalists Right?

 Our Founding politically party, the Federalists, lose the presidency in 1800 and completely dissolve by 1815. Reflecting on our discussion from Friday, briefly share below if you believe that you would have been a Federalist in the 1790s. Consider their plans, their actions and their choices as you comment below:

(as is our practice, please reply to the comments of two others)

(MUST INCLUDE KEY TERMS IN OUR RESPONSE)

Challenges Facing the Adam's Administration

 John Adams was at the front of the American Revolution, advocated for the Declaration of Independence and served as George Washington's Vice President. Elected as our 2nd President in 1796 he failed to win re-election in 1800. Considering the end of our Chapter 6 readings, answer the "Do Now" style question below on this Blog. 

What was the most difficult challenge faced by President Adams, leading to him being a single term president? Defend your response 

with details that include key terms. 

As is our practice, reply briefly to the comments of two others.

Sacrificing Liberty for a Little Bit of Security

  The Federalists remade the young republic's government with a new centralized national constitution in 1787. The Anti-Federalists, led by Thomas Jefferson, feared that the new constitution would lead to tyranny. Pulling examples from your Chapter 6 reading notes, share a response to this question in the comments below:

Based upon the actions of President Washington and President Adams do the Federalists appear to value stability over liberty? (Use examples!)

As is our practice, we will reply to the comments of two others as well.

Checks and Balances

  We are familiar with the separation of powers in out nation's constitution. No single branch of our government is all powerful. We are often less familiar with the checks placed upon state power and the checks placed upon our voice in decision making, checks on the voice of the people.

Look over the attached pdf in the Google Classroom instructions. Select one of the checks that is listed and share in the comments why you think that this power was given to the national government. Why did the founders want the national government to have this power instead of the states or the people?

As is our practice, please reply to two other comments.

Sample Comment:

·       "Article I, Section 10 - The states cannot tax exports or imports" - This is most likely included in our constitution to avoid inconsistent trade policies between the many states and other nations. John Adams attempted to negotiate trade deals during the confederation period and he was asked by Great Britain/England if he represented one state or all 13. While this power resembles the controversial navigation acts of the 1760s, the young United States sees this power as a priority in 1787.