History Discussion Questions

Discussion # 4: “No taxation without representation” has often been given as the reason for the American Revolution. Is this an accurate statement? Why or why not? If not, what were the real reasons for the War and the discontent of Americans? You may want to do a little research at www.historymatters.gmu.edu

Discussion # 5: The Constitution has undergone considerable reinterpretation over the years:

Does The Bill of Rights protect citizens from any type of gun control?

Is the death sentence “cruel and unusual punishment?”

What is the Constitutional basis for the “separation of church and state?” Do you believe that we are currently interpreting that principle in the way the authors of the Constitution intended?

How much freedom of speech, etc. do we have?

If you have any strong feelings about these or related issues, please express yourself in the form of class discussion.

Discussion # 6: Your textbook mentions the Sedition Act, a law against speaking out against the government which Congress enacted during the administration of John Adams. A similar law was enacted (and struck down) during World War I. In recent years, again some have suggested that Americans should refrain from speaking out against the government during a time of war. Is there ever a time when a law like this is appropriate and freedom of speech should be suspended? Explain.

Discussion #7

How do you rate Thomas Jefferson as president? One of the best? One of the worst? Mediocre? Why?

Discussion # 8 a:

You have read the various ways that the United States experienced a nationalistic surge following the War of 1812. Do you see any parallels with modern times? Do you detect a cultural nationalism in the 2010’s? How about an economic nationalism? Are we becoming politically closer as a nation, or are we growing further apart? Generally speaking, do most Americans seem to be proud of their country at this time in history?

Discussion # 8b:

Does the “common man” still have a legitimate place in the American political system? Is it proper that a “street person’s” vote can nullify the vote of someone with a college degree, who performs civic work, and pays thousands of tax dollars every year? Or, is this “universal” voting practice no longer valid in the 21st century?

Discussion # 9:

In his article, “Slavery as a Positive Good (see Unit 2 for link),” planter George Fitzhugh discusses the merits of slavery. Why do you think Fitzhugh–and other southerners like him–felt the need to say/write such things? How is this view of slavery and slaves different than the slavery and indentured servanthood of the 17th and 18th centuries?

Discussion # 10:

Why do you suppose there was not more interest (even among women) for women’s suffrage (voting rights) in the 1830s and 1840s?

Discussion # 11:

Has the U.S. gotten over its sense of “Manifest Destiny,” or is the impulse just as strong today as it was in the mid -1800s? Do we still want to spread our culture and ideas to other nations? Give examples.

Discussion # 12:

Was the Civil War avoidable? If so, what could the North or the South (or both) have done to prevent this tragedy from occurring?

Discussion # 13b:

Pose your own question. Create your own question about something in history or modern times that is of interest to you.