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In Unit 2, students will analyze the crises confronting the Confederation after the sucess of the American Revolution, the efforts to write and ratify the U.S. Constitution, and the struggles that afflicted the new nation soon thereafter that signaled both internal political divisions and challenges from abroad. In addition, students will evaluate major domestic and foreign problems faced by the leaders of the new Repuiblic such as maintaining national security and creating both a stable economic and government system. And finally, students will analyze economic differences among different regions of the United States, Andrew Jackson's presidency, and the conflict over states' rights, the causes and effects of the Second Great Awakening, and understand the various social and labor reform movements that swept the nation during the first half of the 19th century.

 

For Discussion:

 

  1. How really "novel" is the US Constitution? If it is truly novel, how so? If not, why did its framers believe that it was?
  2. Was the US Constitution revolutionary or counterrevolutionary?
  3. Was the Constitution built to withstand the challenges of the 21st century?
  4.  How does the Constitution allow for an enduring political debate?
  5. In what ways are the early visions of Hamilton and Jefferson reflected in contemporary politics? Are we more Hamilton or Jefferson?
  6. What were the military and diplomatic factors that resulted in the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in 1814? Why would the United States be willing to accept, and Great Britain be willing to offer, a treaty enforcing status quo ante bellum given their relative positions?
  7. How did presidential elections change over Andrew jackson's three presidential contests (1824, 1828, and 1832)? In particular, consider the nomination process, political parties, and voting patterns. In addition, assess why these changes may have taken place over this particular period.
  8. Why have different labor systems developed in British North America and the United States, and how have they affected US society?
  9. Identify the religious and social movements associated with the "Burned-Over-District" in New York, the key individuals associated with each, and their main characteristics and beliefs. Why do you think such a wide array of groups trace their origins to such a small area of western New York?