Bill of Rights or Wrongs?

The other day a friend of mine was talking to me about James Madison. Some word had been spreading that he was drafting an addition to the Constitution, he was writing down what rights people had and declaring all this stuff that we already knew that he said would keep the federal government from assuming too much power. My friend and I were in agreement with that grand fellow by the name of Alexander Hamilton, a wonderful federalist, that there was no need for such a document. It was never stated in the Constitution that we gave up any rights just by ratifying it as a state, it was unnecessary to write a document protecting that which was already secure. We federalists have begun to worry that if he and the Democrat-Republicans were writing a document stating what rights all the people had, then what was there that he was leaving out, what rights did we unknowingly give up? What rights were there that would be infringed upon when there was no power to infringe upon them based on the document that Madison is trying to edit? There should be power enough in the central government to do what needs to be done for the nation you live in, Henry is insane in suggesting that a strong central pillar of government threatens individual rights. The "Bill of Rights" as they have begun calling it is more of a declaration of independence from the newly founded Constitutional Government. They want to make sure that those in charge do not get too comfortable and assume power they don't have, but those in power do not want the people to suffer for their ignorances in national affairs.
The solution lies in the people, do they, being all the people of this nation, or a majority in congress; believe that the constitution is doing anything to threaten their rights as individuals when in the preamble it is clearly stated that people have unalienable, natural rights? Do they think that the government will abuse its power and do what ever it wants or do they see the truth that what the government wants is what is best for the people?

Lousiana Purchase

The Lousiana Purchase was started in 1803. The Lousiana Purchase cost the United States 15 million and it included all the land drained by the western tributaries of the Mississippi River, the size of the United States doubled after the purchase of the Lousiana Purchase. Napoleon Bonaparte persuaded Spain to return the Lousiana Territory, which France had in 1792. The Americans were alarmed about this and Jefferson feared that a strong French presence would force the United States into an alliance with Britain.

Jefferson was very eager to explore the new territory and appointed Meriwether Lewis to lead the expedition he called the Corps of Discovery from St Louis to the Pacific coast. Jefferson ordered the Corps to collect scientific information about unknown plants and animals en route to the Pacific and to learn as much as possible about the Native American tribes encountered along the way. Lewis chose William Clark to be second in command. They started out with 50 soldiers and became smaller as the voyage continued. Sacajawea was a important person to Lewis and Clark because she was a interpreter and a guide for them. It took them 2 years and four months to record invaluable information about the western territories.

Louisiana Purchase

It was the year 1800, and some how Napolean gained back the Louisiana Territory by convincing Spain. I was there when they made that trade, and Napolean was sure that it would be secretive. Eventually, the secret was unfolded, and the Americans went bizarre! Their president at the time, Jefferson, became afraid of the our presence, the French, in the midcontinent. Fearing that it would force the them (U.S) and Britain to be alliances. He decided to solve the problem by purchasing New Orleans and western Florida from us. James Monroe was sent to join the U.S's Ambassador, Robert Livington, in Paris. Napolean came to me, and announced he no longer dreamed of an American Empire, and that he had not succeeded in in conquering Saint Dominiugue. He had told me he was thinking about selling the entire Louisiana Territory to the U.S. In April 1803 (the arrival of Mr. Monroe), Napoleon had already came to the conclusion that he wanted to sell the Territory to the U.S. I stood by Napoleon's side when he offered the gentlemen the Territory. I could see it in their faces a state of panic, fore they did not have time to inform their government. They received the territory and paid us 15 million dollars, which in their case was very cheap. Their President feared that the purchase was not constitutional, but he soon agreed to the Treaty and their Senate approved of it. Fortunately for them, this purchase doubled the United States Territory.

A government can build a unified nation out of people with diverse interest and concerns by agreeing on the laws together. That's why they have voting polls and elections now. No one is the same,and everyone has a diverse interest and concern, but at some point we agree on something. That's why it's up to the people or President to put ideas out there, and let the citizens vote on what they feel is right or what they believe in. To me that's why we have representatives that we elect to put importance on what the people believe as a whole. By letting citizens vote, and giving them a voice, you're allowing them to become unified. In order for it to be a law, the majority of the people have to agree. In my opinion, that's unification right there, because we're all coming together to agree on one thing that we feel will better our nation.

Federalists and Democratic-Repubilicans

Hello my friends and colleagues! Today I am writing to tell you about the differences between two huge political parties. These parties are pretty new and I know that many of you are confused about what the differences between the two are so I have talked to both of these party's leaders in order to help explain the viewpoints of the two opposing parties.

First I spoke with Thomas Jefferson who is the main founder of the Democratic- Republican party. He presents himself as a strong supporter of the state government and fears putting absolute power in a federal government. He also urges his party to follow a strict interpretation of the constitution, which basically means he wants the constitution followed word by word. He believes that if congress is given too much power to interpret the constitution as they see fit then the national government will be able to gain far too much power, severely limiting the power of the state governments. Jefferson also assures that he believes that the national government should only be responsible for paying off the taxes of the nation and not the states. Many people may be wondering what all of this means. Basically, Jefferson supports the common man. He believes in a strong government ruled as a Democracy between an entire populous. Jefferson has also set up his system in a way which would support agriculture. Overall Jefferson's party seems like the best choice for anyone who does not consider themselves rich or anyone who depends on agriculture for a living.

Afterward I spoke with Hamilton, who has almost opposite beliefs when compared with Hamilton. He leads the Federalist party which puts most of their beliefs towards a strong central government. These Federalists fear a mob rule, which they claim would happen if the government is run the way Democratic-Republicans intend it to be run. Hamilton's crowd prefer to use a loose interpretation of the constitution, which gives congress much more leeway to rule as they deem necessary. Finally Hamilton's Federalists prefers to have the federal government pay both national and state taxes, thus helping to better unify the nation. The Federalist party's method favors the rich, well educated elite as well as industries. If you consider yourself a part of these groups then I would suggest looking further into the Federalist Party and see if their ideals match your own.

Many people may be wondering how these two groups will ever be able to get along. We will have to wait and see how relations between these two turn out and hope that the tension between these two behemoth political parties remains as it is, just tension with little conflict. We have already had some conflict such as when Hamilton continued to raise a protective tariff to bump up the cost of imports and if things keep going the way they are we might be in trouble when these two political parties face off.

I hope I have helped you understand these two political parties in time to make your vote in the coming year's election one that truly represents your beliefs. Not being able to understand the concepts behind these parties and voting on any candidates would be the same as being stripped of your right to vote and the very democracy on which our nation was founded.

-Nicolas Papin

Louisiana Purchase

The Louisiana Territory had great value to it, which was why Napoleon Bonaparte from France was reconciling with Spain so that they would give back that territory. The transfer was unknown which finally got out to America which caused a fury with Jefferson. He wished to resolve this fear by purchasing New Orleans and western Flordia from the French. Monroe was sent by Jefferson to the conference in Paris. By the time Monroe arrived in Paris, Napoleon sold the entire Louisiana Territory to the United States. Very quickly Monroe and Livingston closed the deal for $15 million. Jefferson was concerned that maybe this was unconstitutional, finally though it was settled and finalized. The Louisiana Purchase consisted of all the western tributaries of the Mississippi River, after that the US has doubled.

I think that the Louisisana Purchase was done well for the United States knowingly that they doubled in size for $15 million dollars. Even though Monroe did not consult the US government before closing the deal they did it for the better. Also, how Jefferson thought it was unconstitutional. It turned out to be right on track and the senate made it official. I think that it was a good plan.

Louisiana Purchase

It's May 14, 1804. It is an amazing thing watching Lewis and Clark pack up for their journey into the Louisiana Territory. St. Louis seems so busy lately, people look like a big blur outside my bedroom window. It's rainy and I wish for the best for the explorers. Papa told me today that Jefferson bought Louisiana for fifteen million dollars from Napoleon Bonaparte. Four cents for an acre is a good price! Fifteen million dollars for a huge track of land unexplored! I can only imagine what great sights Lewis and Clark are going to see!

How are we going to stay one nation? If we are spreading so far out, how are we going to stay one? People in the North are going to have different opinions than the people who are going to move into the West. We are going to need a strong Federal government to unify all of United States. When people move into these lands how are they going to become states? I guess the United States are going to have a system when territories become states. Maybe the federal government will make up a plan that will decide whether a region can be a state by the number of people. It's just something that is so new to our country.

George Washington Elected

My role: Messenger of Good News

It was April 16, 1789, as I rode my horse upon some bumpy terrain I thought enthustiastically about the important news I was delivering. I know I shouldn't have read it but by-golly it's great! "I wonder what ol' George will say when he reads it, especially when he finds out he won with a total of 69 out of 69 votes?" As I neared his estate I felt my stomach twist in knots.

I ran to the door and gladly knocked, to my suprise it flew open and there standing before me was George Washington, our new president. He gave me a very wild about look and that's when I remembered why I was here. I delivered the news. He didn't take it as well as I hoped; he actually kind of frowned at me as if I had told a tale. I said it again but got cut off when he asked me would I like to come in. Normally messengers deliver the message and go but George actually invited me in so I gladly accepted.

We sat down in his crazy little aboad and I watched him look into what could've been another world. When he finally spoke he asked what he should do! I didn't even think my opinion mattered since the obvious answer was to be president! As a hero of the Revolution, Washington was the unanimous choice in the first presidential ballot. I thought about it some more until I realized it could only be his true decision not mine. I told him what I was thinking and he nodded; I was relieved because I thought he would get angered with me...

I heard George wanted to settle down to a quiet life at his Virginia estate, Mount Vernon. I guess those plans would be on hold right now. I left that estate wondering hard about what he would do. I heard a round' April 30th or so he went to New York and took his oath of office as first president.


My personal opinion:

I think the key to mastering a unified nation with such diverse people is to take everyone's personal opinions into account. I mean, if you don't please the people how can your nation be unified? Unity means the state of being one, if your one you cannot be divided. In the world today we have learned to come together and share our opinions with another to eventually become unified. Without unity the world today would be so chaotic and there would be wars and fightiong all the time. Although the U.S.A is not completely unified with the rest of the world we strive hard to accomplish that one day.

Louisiana Purchase

In 1800, Napoleon Bonaparte (France), persuaded Spain to return the Louisiana Territory. Spain recieved it from France in 1762. This alarmed the Americans. Jefferson thought that buying New Orleans and western Florida from the French, would prevent a strong French presence, and keep the U.S. from being forced into an alliance with Britain. Napoleon sold the Louisiana Territory to the U.S. for $15 million. Jefferson wasn't sure if the purchase was constitutional; he wasn't sure the Constitution gave the government power to obtain new territory. Jefferson later submitted the treaty finalizing it; the Senate ratified it. The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the U.S.

The Louisiana Purchase helped the U.S. in a major way. By doubling the size of the country, it provided more space for more people. If there are more people, the population becomes more diverse. This also helped the Americans learn more about the Native American tribes that lived in the area that was purchased. The U.S. also gained scientific knowledge of unknown plants and animals.

The Election Of 1800

The politicians are at it again. Everywhere you go, there's always someone talking about Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. It's going to be a close race, I can tell. Before you make a decision about who you're going to vote for, you should know who these men are and what they stand for. Our Democratic-Republican candidate is Thomas Jefferson, from Virginia. He is running with Aaron Burr. The Federalist candidate for this election is John Adams, from Massachusetts. His running mates are John Jay and Charles Pickney. This election has been a bitter battle filled with spite and malice. To the Democratic-Republicans, Adams is merely a tool for the wealthy, and wants to turn the executive branch into a British-style monarchy. The Federalists view Jefferson as a dangerous supporter of revolutionary France and an athiest bent on destroying organized religion.

How can a government build a unified nation out of a people with diverse interest and concerns? It takes someone with special talent to be able to accomplish this task. They have the daunting task of making decisions that will please two very different groups of people. Of course, the dominating political party will have a more biased view on the decisions that are made, and not everyone will be happy, but that's just how the system works.

War of 1812

After everyone had fled the city, we see the city burning from the river. We say the Union flag flying over our city. Most of the government and public buildings were burned to the ground, like the Library of Congress. I saw First Lady Dolly Madison with the portrait of George Washington, what a true American she was. Before the British scums could get to the Washington Naval Yard we burned it so they couldn’t get any ammo or any ships. When day was suppose to come, a horrible hurricane came and some tornados formed due to the storm. The rain put out the fires and saved most of the exteriors of the buildings the British tried to burn, and the British retreated to there ships which were badly damaged due to the storm. Then as soon as it came the storm settled. We quickly returned to our homes and reoccupied the city.
This act on the capital all over the nation love, will put aside there differences and get revenge on attacking our capital. They would probably realise that if they were unified they could have prevented this attack. This could add to the list of reseasons why we should join the army and get rid of the British troops. People would remember all the hard work Washington did to make this nation and realise there should post-pone sovling there own problems and help the country as a whole. The people knew that if they didn't have a government, that is now burned that the country would go into chaos and it would cause more problems then fix.

Election of 1800

Standing anxiously waiting for an answer, for someone to tell us who the winner was. Adams knew that he had it in the bag, and this made me very uncomfortable. The answer finally came in and I got informed that Adams was out of the race. Now it was between me and my running mate Aaron Burr, we were tied according to the electoral vote. I knew the House was very uneasy about both me and Burr.They finally gave us the answer after five days and 35 ballots gave me the win toward Burr. All this confusion about me and Burr spawned the Twelfth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which led to separate Electoral College ballots for president and vice-president.This win was not easy due to the fact that both Burr and I tied in the electoral vote. In the end I won with the majority of the popular vote and it felt great.

How can a government build a unified nation out of a people with diverse interest and concerns?"
Jefferson's perspective of running the nation was totally different from Adams. In my opinion when a new president comes we should be behind him 100%, we can say things about what he does but there isn't any point in doing it. I also think that everyone should share their ideas, agree on the same thing or find a way to please everyone. Then again the people also have a say, and this is why they vote. People vote on the person they want to represent them, communication is a key source in the government. In my opinion, letting the people vote is making the nation unified. Every citizen has the opportunity to express their thoughts about the government.


More Information:
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/electionof1800.htm



Adams


Jefferson

The War of 1812, My Adventure at the White House

I stood wondering if it was all really worth it. I was in a state of regret and astonishment as to what I had just done. Standing beside my cousin Robert Ross, the commander of the Great Britian Army, I felt as if I was not worth living. An American myself; I had just committed treason and helped torch the most important place in my homeland. As the flames rose up the walls and it all started to crumble down, a tear fell from my eye. What had I just done? My federalist pig headed mind had just brought termoil upon my Country. The British had just marched in to Washington and left with a city engulfed in flames.

I sat there at the sight of a completly burnt building. Only the exterior walls of the White House remain. People saw me as a survivor that escaped the fiery blaze, but deep down i knew what I had to do. I marched into the office of the President and I turned myself in. I was ashamed of my actions and wanted to clear my soul of all wrong doing. I couldn't sleep at night knowing that I helped the British ambush my country. I wanted to live by the British rule, and didnt care what happened to me. As I look back now, I wish i could take it all back. As I look from the distance as my lifeless body hanging, I wish it would have never happened.

War of 1812

Today I was captured from my ship and transfered to the frigate called "Surprise" because the land was about to become a giant battlefield. Aboard the ship I met up with this guy named Sir Thomas Cockburn. Apparently he is the admiral's son. Later that night I was awakened by a large bomb bursting in the air around me. When I had arrived at the poop deck, I saw a man by the name of Francis Scott Key writing hastily on the back of a letter. I approached him and asked what he was writing. He replied saying that it was a song that was inspired by the attack on the Fort McHenry. As I looked where he pointed I noticed that the flag was still visible and intact with the pole.

I was shocked in disbelief that this was possible. I mean we had a really strong fort, but I did not think that it could withstand this caliber of an attack. It was amazing what the government did with this very diverse nation. I mean who else could have brought together this nation to fight for this one cause. The governemnt used many different methods of bringing us together. They put import taxes and other taxes that made us support each other more.

Washington as First President

Sarah Lowery
6th period

George Washington did not have interest in becoming president at the time of elections. After the Constitutional convention he wanted to be home in Mount Vernon. Our society wanted him as there president because he was so powerful and strong in the Revolution. When he found out that he was unofficially voted president he packed up and moved to New York. Since Washington was in office, a new government came along. It was based on individual rights but eventually making more sufficent decisions and official outlines of government. Creating Judiciary Act of 1789, and also improving the Executive Branch.

Our first President of the United States was the shaping of who we are today and the beginning of our county being under control. Washington was a strong leader who started a better and more sufficent government. I think that he was a great start for our country who led us into the right direction, mainly with our government. I think that it was a great thing that he chose more leaders for the Executive Branch, so that we have better backup and support.

Sarah

Louisiana Purchase

In the 1800's Bonaparte of France presuaded spain to return the Louisiana territory. Jefferson being the man he is he has to fix everything. I know because I meet him before and he is a very handy dandy man. You see i knew him from church. I used to be the girl that cleaned the church we attended. Mr. Jefferson would always supple me with things I needed to have the church building sparkiling and shinnning.He is always trying to make everything right. Anyway to solve the problem he sent Monroe to Paris but by the time he did all of that Napolion changed his mine. I thought it was way fooolish of Jefferson anyway to have sent Monroe to France anyway.
I mean really do you know how long it takes to get there and back from France to America?
To settle the whole ordeal the men decided to settle for the land at $15 million dollors. When you sum that all together that is $.05 an acre. That land included all of Louisiana and the western part of Florida.I wouldn't mind going down to Louisiana myself and raise a family there. It's new land and probably has a good ground for planting and such. Obviously I think that this purchase was a great deal towards the development of our country.