EARLY AMERICAN HISTORY
Hyssop2016
HISTHOMEWORKANSfor5and6NEEDSWORK.docxRunning head: HISTORY ASSIGNMENT 1
HISTORY ASSIGNMENT 21
Consider only the sources listed, 1. (James Madison’s “Virginia Resolutions,” 2. Nathaniel Macon’s letters to Jackson, 3. David Smiley’s article, and even 4. The Remini biography of Andrew Jackson).
SEE; google 14 pg. Journal article, Revolutionary Origins of the South’s Constitutional Defenses, by David L. Smileywww.jstore.org/stable/23517889?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
The Virginia Resolution, 1798
http://avalon.law.vale.edu/18th century/virres.asp
30.Andrew Jackson – Nathaniel Macon, Debate on Secession, Summer 1833
PART ONE
NOTE:
CITE THE SOURCE within the content used to answer the questions with detailed factual information??, SHOW WHERE IN THE listed resource references to be used only, where the answered are derived FROM?
SECTION ONE
1. From where did southern defenses of constitutional rights originate?
WHERE DOES IT STATE THIS answer IN THE ASSIGNED SCHOLOARLY JOURNAL ARTICLE? This answer is total bullshit?
INCORRECT The southern slave owners/holders heavily leaned on readings from the bible in order to justify the institution behind the concept of slavery. Examples of this include the New Testament as well as the Old Testament of the Bible which both included slavery with characters such as Abraham owning slaves. In addition to this, Paul (another prominent figure in the Bible) had an incident where he returned a runaway slave to its owner. This led the slave owners to believe that slavery in itself was not morally wrong. They held the belief that they were actually assisting the slaves by further expanding the knowledge that they had on Christianity. They also felt that they were doing a greater good for them by allowing them the opportunity to increase their level of education in the religious aspect in order to be “better” taken care of than when they would have been while free and on their own. (Madison, 1978)
2. On page 259, Smiley gives several similarities between the positions of American patriots in 1776 and southerners in 1860. List them.
This answer is also totally incorrect and does not relate to the true answer on pg.259
INCORRECTAmerican patriots in 1776 rebelled on the basis of a political philosophy of republicanism that was expressed by notable personalities such as Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine. Part of the reason why they fought was because they felt they were fighting for the right cause.
3. What is federalism, and how was it defended by Americans in 1776 and southerners in 1860?
This does not answer the 3 parts of the question and make no sense what so ever? Correct ans on pg.261-263
INCORRECTIn 1776, the declaration of independence took place. Delegates to the continental congress convened in Philadelphia in order to adopt the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The continental congress was hen given power to carry on the war. In 1886, the Civil War was used to address two key issues that were the role of the federal government as well as the nature of the union.
4. How did strict construction develop during the revolutionary turmoil of the 1770s?
CORRECT ANSWER CAN BE FOUND ON pg.263 in paragraph beginning with, “Buiding upon the ???? reference to “strict construction” of their (both groups) constitutions
This answers is only a vague attempt for accuracy?
INCOMPLETE Strict construction was put in place in order to assist states’ rights. It was mainly used by democratic-republicans. They wanted the powers of the national government limited to only what was permitted by the constitution. (Madison, 1978)
5. What constitutional doctrine did the Stamp Act protests of 1765 create?
AGAIN ANOTHER INCORRECT ANSWER. According to pg.266 it was the “docturine of nullification created in he Virginia house in 1765
INCORRECTThe Stamp Act protests of 1765 created a new tax that was imposed on all of the American colonists. This change required them to pay a tax on each and every piece of printed paper that they used. Items such as ship’s papers, licenses, legal documents, licenses, newspapers as well as playing and other publications were taxed and the money collected was used to pay the costs of defending and protecting the American frontier that was located near the Appalachian Mountains.
SECTION TWO
1. Whose duty is it to resist constitutional violations?
It was the duty of the trustees to resist constitutional violations such as usurpation and they also had to extirpate the tyranny. Moreover, it fell on them to suspend, alter or abrogate those laws as well as punishing the servants who were unfaithful and corrupt. (Madison, 1978)
2. What do the Resolutions mean by the Union as a “compact?”
The compact theory was based on nullification. The theory states that the states can void or nullify federal laws. In addition to this, because the states made up/created the federal government, they could overstep the boundaries provided as well as nullify any laws that it disagrees with.
3. What do the Resolutions mean by “consolidation?” ANSWER WITH FACTUAL INFO?
The revolutionists intended for the states to be brought closer or merged by degrees in one sovereignty. This would in turn transform the republican system of the United States into either an absolute or mixed monarchy. Why isn’t the word consolidation mentioned in the answer?BECAUSE IT DOES NOT ANSWER THE SPECIFIC QUESTION, BUT RAMBLES on making no sense of your conclusion that is not requested?
SECTION THREE
1. Who is ultimate sovereign in the US political system?
The ultimate sovereign in the US political system is the people. The very first words of the constitution which are, “We the people…”make this quite clear. The United States of America is an independent nation and it is thus governed by its people. The American people adopted the constitution and they created the government. In addition to this, they elect their own representatives and make their own laws. (Macon, 1833)
2. How is the union put together and kept together?
The states were admitted on the grounds of equal footing with those that were already in existence. There is also an admission to the union clause that forbids the creation of new states from other parts of existing states without the consent of both the congress as well as the affected states.
3. What is Macon’s view of secession?
Nathaniel Macon had a huge belief in the right of secession. In his letter to President Andrew Jackson he stated, “A government of opinion that is established by sovereign states for special purposes cannot be maintained by force.” (Macon, 1833)
4. What is Macon’s view of nullification?
Nathaniel Macon was against nullification and this was one of the issues he felt strongly about. This is what led to him writing a letter to President Andrew Jackson. He wrote protesting about the threatened use of military action in order to quell the nullifiers in South Carolina. (Macon, 1833)
5. How should the federal government consider protests by states over perceived injustices in legislation?
Nathaniel Macon was an antifederalist and thus he was wary of an overbearing federal government that strayed from guideposts of the Constitution, a pillar of the “Old Republican” ideology.
SECTION FOUR
1. How is the Union put together and kept together? THIS IS Just a REPEATED REMARK!
The states were admitted on the grounds of equal footing with those that were already in existence. There is also an admission to the union clause that forbids the creation of new states from other parts of existing states without the consent of both the congress as well as the affected states. (Jackson, 1833)
2. On what point does Jackson especially disagree with Macon?
Andrew Jackson was not an anti-federalist. He rejected nullification but he believed that there were strict limits to the authority of the federal government under the constitution.
3. What is Jackson’s view of the relationship between nullification and secession?
He argued that the justification for state nullification of federal laws was quite misguided, unconstitutional and even treasonous to the country. He also perceived secession in a negative light and put mechanisms in place in order to make it more difficult.
4. To what clauses in the US Constitution does Jackson appeal?
The Tenure of Office Act as well as the Tariff of Abominations.
5. Document #4: Nathaniel Macon to Andrew Jackson, September 25, 1833
6. What historical fact about North Carolina leaves Macon unconvinced by Jackson’s letter?
North Carolina ratified the constitution in 1789 because of its shortcomings.
7. What is Macon’s fear regarding Jackson’s interpretation of the Constitution and the Union?
Jackson shirked the constitution when it was not in his best interest. This was evidenced by how he handled the Indian Removal situation. When the Indians were successful at the Supreme Court, Jackson saw fit to not adhere to the constitution at the time. (Jackson, 1833)
8. To which country’s political situation does Macon appeal for his position?
Great Britain and to a lesser extent, France.
PART TWO CITE in the content where this is ????? ans is stated, line and chapter?
Chapter 1
1. From where was Andrew Jackson’s family?
Andrew Jackson’s family was from Waxhaws which was located in the region that is the present-day Carolinas.
2. What was Jackson’s experience of the American Revolution?
His experience of the American Revolution was a mixed bag. His eldest sibling, “Hugh was died” ??? (really) as a result of heat exhaustion while he was actively participating in the Battle of Stone Ferry on June 20th 1979. His mother also urged him and his brother Robert to attend the local militia drills that were taking place and they eventually went on to assist the militia in their role as couriers. However, they were both captured shortly. His contempt for the British was developed here when he was struck by a British officer after he refused to clean his boots. He was left with noticeable scars on his hands and head. (Remini, 2001)
Chapter 2
1. According to Remini, what did Jackson’s first duel reveal about him?
His first duel revealed his cunning nature as well as his proclivity towards calculated violence. This is due to the fact that him and fellow lawyer, Waightstill Avery had agreed prior to the duel that they would both fire in the air to prevent any lasting damage or death to each other.
2. What role did Spain play in shaping early Tennessee politics?
The Spanish had tried and failed to keep Indians who lived on their lands from raiding the settlements owned by Americans. Western American settlers had bitter feelings towards the Spanish because of this and this was also compounded by the fact that they had no interest in returning fugitive slaves. This led to Andrew Jackson writing to James Winchester stating that the United States can conquer Spanish North America as well as the Florida. (Both East and West Florida).
Chapter 3
1. How did Jackson’ letter to Nathaniel Macon, quoted on page 31, reveal his political principles?
Jackson letter showed how strongly he believed in strict constructionism. This was evidenced by the Nullification crisis that Nathaniel Macon was against. Jackson found himself fighting back against something he perceived as encroachments of the state on the sphere occupied by federal influence. He was also against secession. (Remini, 2001)
2. Describe Jackson’s congressional career in the 1790s.
In the 1790s, Jackson’s first brushes with politics began when he was chosen as attorney general in 1791. He later on won an election which made him a delegate to the Tennessee constitutional convention that happened in 1796. He was later on selected as United States representative of Tennessee later than year after Tennessee achieved statehood. Andrew Jackson continued to advance politically despite his perceived radical views and he would be elected as a United States senator in 1797.
Chapter 4
1. How did Jackson come to fight with John Sevier?
John Sevier was the Governor of Tennessee but he stepped down and his replacement was Andrew Jackson’s friend, Archibald Roane. Sevier then decided to run for the commander of the militia position by narrowly lost to Andrew Jackson. The gap was so narrow that it fell upon the acting Governor to pick the winner and he ended up siding with his friend. This made Sevier very bitter. Sevier would end up winning the gubernatorial election next but his victory was marred by accusations of fraud and bribery from Andrew Jackson. Due to their constant interactions because of their respective roles, tensions between Sevier and Jackson ran high and one day in the courthouse square in Knoxville, John Sevier accused Andrew Jackson of adultery. This led to a violent confrontation but nobody was harmed. The next day, Jackson challenged Sevier to a duel even though duels were illegal in the state. (Remini, 2001)
2. What was Jackson’s relationship to the institution of slavery?
Slavery was the source of his wealth. He owned a plantation known as the Hermitage that was 1000 acres. In the beginning he owned around 9 African Americans but a quarter of a decade later, the number had swollen up to 100 due to purchase ad reproduction. At the time of his demise, he owned approximately 150 people.
Chapter 5
1. How did Jackson become involved with Aaron Burr’s conspiracy?
During the preparations for his coup, Aaron Burr encountered Andrew Jackson. Aaron had been planning to bring in influential men and he felt that Jackson ticked all the boxes. He alerted Jackson to the prospect of a coming war with Spain. However, Jackson claimed that he did not know the full extent of Aaron’s plans.
2. How did Jackson’s early participation in the War of 1812 earn for him the title “Old Hickory?”
Due to his contribution in the War of 1812, Andrew Jackson received the thanks of the Congress as well as a gold medal for his exploits. He was quite popular among the troops who nicknamed him, “Old Hickory” due to the fact that he was, “…as tough as old hickory wood” on the battlefield. (Remini, 2001)
Chapter 8
1. What effect did Jackson’s victory over the British at the Battle of New Orleans have on popular opinion in the spring of 1815?
Andrew Jackson was propelled to the role of war hero in the Battle of New Orleans. It served as a launching pad for his political career due to the fact that it was a gigantic morale boost for the Americans.
Chapter 11
1. Why did Jackson believe the political system was rife with corruption?
This distrust began with the elections of 1824 and 1828. These elections had some of the dirtiest campaigns that were ever waged for the presidency. In addition to this, Jackson had waged a war on the National Bank and he spent much of his tenure trying to destroy it because he felt like it was an unfair monopoly that it might abuse its significant power.
2. What was The Letters of Wyoming and how did they reveal the ideals of many Americans?
Chapter 12
1. How was the new political battle, in Jackson’s eyes, a revival of the fight between Jefferson and Hamilton?
It was a clash of principles just like Jefferson and Hamilton.
2. How was the coalition assembled to create the Democratic Party?
After Andrew Jackson lost the 1824 election to John Quincy Adams, his supporters created their own organization in order to get him elected. After Andrew Jackson’s election in 1828, the organization would later become known as the Democratic Party. This is not the same party that operated in the 1700s that party split in the Democratic - Republican Party in the 1820s and created two factions such as the National Republicans and the Democrats. (Remini, 2001)
3. What was Jackson’s proposed plan of reform?
He called for the abolition of the institution known as the Electoral College through constitutional amendments. Moreover, he enforced the office tenure act which allowed for limitation of the appointed office tenure and it authorized the president and empowered him to remove as well as appoint political party associates. This was done because Jackson held the belief that a rotation in office was democratic reform that could be used to prevent father-to-son succession of office. It also made the civil service responsible to the popular will.
Chapter 13
1. Why were Jackson’s cabinet selections problematic?
His cabinet had to weather the storm of several crises such as the nullification crisis. Calhoun actively sought the presidency and sabotaged the cabinet from within. Jackson’s seizure of Florida was also a contentious issue. Jackson assumed that Calhoun supported him even though he did not say anything to promote it. A long and drawn out battle in the media took place which eventually led to Calhoun and other cabinet members resigning under a cloud of shame.
2. What was Jackson’s inauguration like?
It took place on March 4th 1829. The ceremony was unique in that it took place on the East Portico of the United States Capitol. Jackson left the inauguration on a white horse on rode up Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.
Chapter 14
1. What was the “spoils system?”
The spoils system is a well-known practice in which a political party that has won an election assigns civil service jobs to its supporters, friends and even relatives as a gift for making an effort and helping them achieve victory. (Remini, 2001)
2. Was Jackson a practitioner?
Yes, he was.
3. If so, what was his defense?
He introduced the spoils system after he won the 1828 election. In the spoils system, he appointed civil servants to jobs in the government due to the fact that they were loyal to him and to the political party. Factors such as merit, education and even experience took a back seat when it came to this.
Chapter 15
1. What factors combined to make the Eaton Affair a damaging event for Jackson’s administration?
The affair that took place between Margaret Peggy Eaton and John Eaton. Her husband had died unexpectedly and it was widely rumored that he had killed himself due to Margaret’s alleged affair with John. The Eaton’s were then snubbed at social gatherings among Washington’s elite.
2. Why did Jackson begin to split from Calhoun politically?
The split between Jackson and Calhoun began when Calhoun did not publicly agree with Jackson’s seizure of Florida.
Chapter 16
1. How did Jackson attempt to cut the size of government during his first term?
He had launched several presidential investigations into all of the offices of the Cabinet as well as its departments. This was due to his belief that appointees would be hired based on merit. Because of this he withdrew a large number of candidates that he perceived to be lax in their handling and transaction of monies. (Remini, 2001)
2. Why did Indian Removal come close to being defeated in the House?
It came close to being defeated when the Cherokee went to the Supreme Court and based their appeal on a Georgian Law from 1830 which prohibited whites from occupying Indian Territory without a license from the state. This led to the court ruling in favor of the Cherokee. However, the President refused to enforce the law.
Chapter 17
1. Why did Nicholas Biddle propose a recharter of the Bank of the United States in January 1832?
He did it in order to increase the bank’s market power and thus, its stock price.
2. What was the result of Calhoun’s vote denying Van Buren the nomination as minister to Britain?
Jackson nominated him for vice presidency and he was elected as Jackson’s running mate when Jackson won the next election. This made him Jackson’s de facto heir.
3. What was radical about Jackson’s understanding of the presidential veto power?
He vetoed his power extensively. He vetoed a large number of bills in his term of office than all of the previous presidents put together. He was also the first president to debut the pocket veto which was a delaying tactic that the president used in order to not sign a bill within the ten days of its congressional term thus preventing it from becoming a law. (Remini, 2001)
Chapter 18
1. How did the National Republicans portray Jackson during the campaign of 1832?
They attacked Jackson by criticizing his use of his veto power and they portrayed him as “King Andrew”.
2. Describe Jackson’s response to nullification.
He signed into law the tariff of 1832.
Chapter 19
1. Why were so many states’ rights advocates horrified at Jackson’s belief in the indissolubility of the Union?
He was an ardent unionist who was willing to risk the occurrence in order to defy the nullification threats to South Carolina.
2. Why did many southerners believe that the Force Bill marked the “death of the Constitution”?
The southerners believed this because the force bill overrode the efforts made by South Carolina to nullify the federal laws when the nullification crisis was taking place. The president then pressed on with the bill and thus the southerners saw that the constitution would be worthless if states had the right to secede and to nullify laws. (Remini, 2001)
Chapter 20
1. Why did Jackson go on his national tour in 1833?
In 1833, Andrew Jackson signed the Force bill and the legislation authorized him to use armed forces in order to enforce federal tariff laws in the collection of import duties as well as to secure or close ports. Later on he orders plans for removing federal deposits from the second bank of the United States of America.
2. Pg. (252) what did he achieve on the tour?
After the force bill was signed, he had to move around in order to ensure that the changes proposed were being effected e.g. the removal of deposits.
Chapter 21
1. What were the three objectives of Amos Kendall’s trip to find state banks willing to accept federal deposits?
The objectives were as follows:
· Make sure the banks had relaxed their lending standards.
· Ensure that the banks maintain an unsafe reserve ration.
· Reduce national debt.
2. What groups comprised the Whig party that rose to oppose Jackson?
This was an American political party that was formed in the 1830s to oppose the President as well as the Democrats. The party included former National Republicans, conservative factions of the Democratic - Republican Party as well as several former members from the Anti-Masonic Party. (Remini, 2001)
3. Which three famous Senators arose to denounce Jackson’s claim that “the president is the direct representative of the American people”?
These senators were namely:
· John C. Calhoun.
· John Quincy Adams.
· Henry Clay.
Chapter 22
1. What were the regulations imposed on the “pet banks”?
The banks were chosen based on the spoils system. In addition to this, the banks stopped distributing gold and silver for money. Moreover, the Americans who borrowed money heavily rarely paid their debts.
Chapter 23
1. Why did Jackson reject the contributions of ordinary citizens to rebuild the Hermitage after the disastrous fire there?
He cast himself as a man of the people so he did not see it fit to burden the citizens with the costs needed for repair and renovations. (Remini, 2001)
Chapter 24
1. What was Jackson’s problem with France?
Relations were good until the French government become delinquent in payment of the reparations treaty that was made on July 4th 1831. This was caused by internal financial and political difficulties.
Chapter 25
1. How did Jackson summarize his philosophy at the end of his presidency?
Jackson boldly displayed himself as the people's tribune (man of the people), their sole defender against special interests and their cohorts in Congress.
2. Why, when Jackson defines his political philosophy, did he not mention slavery, Indian removal, tariffs, or internal improvements?
He had an aggressive Indian removal policy while denouncing nullification as well as secession while reproving policies like the tariff which fostered sectional divisiveness. (Remini, 2001)
Chapter 26
1. How did Jackson first try to acquire Texas?
Jackson sought to purchase Texas from Mexico. He wrapped up his offer in slavery-related politics however his offer was declined.
2. Did Jackson want Texas to expand the institution of slavery?
Yes, he did. This was due to the fact that Southerners were lobbying to add Texas as a slave state.
Chapter 27
1. How much money did Jackson spend furnishing the White House?
2. What kind of access did common people have to President Jackson?
They could not speak to him directly easily. He mainly communicated through means such as letters.
Chapter 28
1. What were Jackson’s accomplishments as president?
He had successfully led the US forces in the creek war against the Native Americans. In addition to this, he had handed the British a crushing defeat at the battle of New Orleans. Furthermore, serving as the seventh president of the US from 1829 to 1837 was quite the accomplishment. Additionally, he was the key founder of the modern Democratic Party. Moreover, his form of democracy let to greater democracy for the common man. Other accomplishments include reducing corruption as well as authoring the United States exploring expedition and he solved the nullification crisis. (Remini, 2001)
Chapter 29
1. What had happened to Jackson’s estate during his time as president?
He expanded the original building. He added one story to both sides of the house, a dining room, storage area, pantry as well as a library and plantation office. In 1834, reconstruction was done after a fire in 1834 damaged the central and eastern sections of the mansion.
2. Why did Jackson wait so long to join the Presbyterian Church?
He was brought up in a Presbyterian family but he had little interest in religion early on. He became increasingly religious towards the end of his life and he rejoined the Presbyterian Church in 1838.
Chapter 30
1. What did the fortieth anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans mean to Jackson?
It was the day where he maintained his presidency and it held sentimental value to him. It also made him a celebrated figure. (Remini, 2001)
2. What did it show about him?
It showed that he cared deeply about public opinion.
Chapter 31
1. What was Jackson’s position on the annexation of Texas?
He strongly favored the annexation of Texas even though he had never accomplished it during his tenure.
2. Why did Jackson believe that Van Buren would not get the
Democratic nomination for the presidency in 1844?
Van Buren wrote the Hamlet Letter and in it he opposed annexation. This basically extinguished all of the support that he might have previously enjoyed in the south.
Chapter 32
1. What was Jackson’s death scene like?
Andrew Jackson died of tuberculosis related complications (chronic dropsy and heart failure) on June 8th 1845 at The Hermitage in Nashville, Tennessee. (Remini, 2001)
References Jackson, A. (1833). Andrew Jackson to Nathaniel Macon. Macon, N. (1833). Nathaniel Macon to Andrew Jackson. Madison, J. (1978). The VIrigina Resolution. Remini, R. (2001). The Life of Andrew Jackson. Harper Perennial. Smiley, D. (1967). Revolutionary Origins of the South's Constitutional Defenses. North Carolina Historical Review, 256-269.
