Events Opposing Federal Government Power in US History

Opposition to the power of the national government

Compare two events that opposed the power of the federal government what were the cause (motives) and effects How successful were these events in history in opposing the power of the government cause effects of such opposition

Whiskey Rebellion Cause? Tax on whiskey to fund the national debt part of A. Hamilton s financial plan Farmers sensed they are being controlled by eastern interests internal tax fought against during revolution Reflects conflict between coastal and backcountry regions rum v. whiskey Results? Rebellion failed and the authority of government was strengthened big show of force by Washington with troops- rebellion not tolerated

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions Cause? Opposed Alien and Sedition Acts Written by Jefferson and Madison Declared national government violated Bill of Rights declared states have right to judge whether federal government threatens people s liberties Can declare federal law null and void Results? Influential; rallied Republican opinion and provided precedent for states rights advocates

Hartford Convention Cause? Opposition to War of 1812 ( Mr. Madison s War ) Federalist in the Northeast threatened secession as war continues Delegates from New England met in Hartford, Conn to discuss possible secession Condemned the war hurting their economy trade based economy Proposed constitutional amendments to limit power of federal government (presidents from Virginia!) Results? Led to demise of federalist party

Nullification Crisis Cause? Tariff of 1828 Tariff of Abominations states rights and power of central government Southerners feared abolitionist sentiment in the North and continuation of high tariffs hurts southern economy sectionalism John C. Calhoun expanded on idea of nullification expressed in Virginia and Kentucky resolutions states have the right to Force Bill issued by A. Jackson will use force if necessary Results? Compromise Tariff of 1833 with both sides claiming victory force bill nullified issue not resolved

Are there any connections between the events? Do two of the have similar motives (political or economic)? Do two of them indicate success in challenging the power of the federal government?

1stparagraph Introduction define terms introduce the time period thesis 2ndParagraph Transition sentence Topic Evidence to support claims transition 3rdparagraph Same as paragraph 2 4thparagraph transition Compare the oppositions Similarities /differences in events 5thparagraph transition Conclusion Yes/but statements Confirm argument

This is a must in writing Keeps you focused on the topics need to focus on one idea in each paragraph Without taking the time to organize your essay you could make the following mistakes: Leave out information from brainstorming Make too many generalizations Wonder off topic

ALWAYS check your thesis Does it answer the question? Did you address all parts of the question in your thesis? Did you simply restate the question?

Introduction define terms or time period Since the formation of the Constitution of the United States, the power of the government has expanded due to various events. Decisions of the Supreme Court headed by John Marshall, the creation of the Bank, and federal control of interstate commerce resulted in loose interpretation of the constitution led to increased power. simply starting your essay with a thesis can lead to confusion and indicate lack of knowledge of time period

The national government as created in 1789 by the constitution in its infancy was subject to a variety of threats for a variety of reasons. The Whiskey Rebellion in 1794 and the Hartford Convention in 1814-1815 show clearly the different kinds of obstacle the fledgling government was forced to overcome. With motives ranging from high taxes to fear for trade an the actions from armed rebellion to review of the constitution, many would have liked the government to falter when it did not. Since the formation of the Constitution of the United States, the power of the government has expanded due to various events. Decisions of the Supreme Court headed by John Marshall, the creation of the Bank, and federal control of interstate commerce resulted in loose interpretation of the constitution led to increased power. Although the power of the government increased, there were often protests which at times challenged the powers of the government.

Thesis statements did not address motives and effectiveness Lack of knowledge and specific evidence no clear understanding of events No correlation between events no connections Did not address effectiveness of opposition Lack of organization How can I improve Thesis test Make sure you know what is being asked! Support your essay with outside information Make sure you have a clear understanding of time period ORGANIZE your thoughts in pre-writing create an outline!

Avoid phrases on the other hand, as seen in document B, the statement is true because, Avoid specific dates and numbers if you are not sure in the early 1900s mid 1900s or late 1900s Substantial, the minority, the majority, a small number Avoid abbreviations without first giving definition or explanation CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) then use CIA in writing Avoid FLUFF stick to the facts that support main idea BE SPECIFIC write lean, logical, precise Never use first person in writing you are writing about the past Never use contractions in formal writing Never use quotes make inferences Never use rhetorical questions Never make generalizations you cannot defend Never use simple language use academic language of the course Never use ( ) either include it in your writing or not confusing to reader shows indecisiveness