History Mod DUE TONIGHT

This discussion addresses the following outcomes:

In this political cartoon, “The Looking Glass”, you can view the debates in Connecticut over ratification of the US Constitution. The state is represented by a wagon stuck in a muddy ditch while two factions pull it in opposite directions. On the left are the Federalists (supporters of the Constitution) and on the right, the anti-Federalists, while in between, various characters make obscene gestures to show their opinion.

Before beginning this discussion, make sure to read the Module Notes and Chapter 6: “A New Nation (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.” and Chapter 7: “The Early Republic” (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. in The American Yawp and the following primary sources: Washington, G. (1786). Letter to Henry Knox on Shays’ Rebellion (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., Butler, P. (1787), Debates Within the Constitutional Convention (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (1787), Slavery and the Constitution (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (1787). Madison, J. (1788), Federalist #45 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., Hamilton, A. (1788), Federalist #85 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., Bryan, S. (October 1787), Centinel I (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site., and Henry, P. (June 1788), Anti-Federalist Speech (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..

Using the primary and secondary source materials above as evidence, consider the following in a post of at least 250 words:

• What were the reasons for the initial reform movement to amend or revise the Articles of Confederation?
• From the perspective of 1787–1788, which side do you agree with? Would you have seen the Constitution as a reasonable grant of power, or potentially excessive? Be sure to justify or explain your answer.
• Did the divide between Federalists and Republicans in the 1790s reflect the same divisions between the Federalists and anti-Federalists? What new issues contributed to the Federalist/Republican divide?

Then, over the course of the week, respond to the posts of at least two of your classmates.

Your initial post is due by Thursday at 11:59PM. Your responses are due by Sunday at 11:59PM.

Consult the Discussion Posting Guide for information about writing your discussion posts. It is recommended that you write your post in a document first. Check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors. When you are ready to make your initial post, click on "Reply." Then copy/paste the text into the message field, and click "Post Reply." This is a “post first” discussion forum. You must submit your initial post before you can view other students’ posts.

To respond to a peer, click “Reply” beneath her or his post and continue as with an initial post.

Evaluation

This discussion will be graded using a rubric. Please review this rubric prior to beginning your work. View the rubric by clicking on the gear icon  at the top right side of this page or on the Course Rubrics page within the Start Here module. All discussions combined are worth 20% of your final course grade.