Unit 1: Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, drafted by the committee of five, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman, marked a significant break from Great Britain. It came on July 2, 1776, with 12 out of 13 colonies (excluding New York) voting for independence. Two days later, the second Continental Congress voted to adopt it. The Social Contract Theory, as proposed by John Locke, played a crucial role in its creation. Liberty and equality, brought to the colonists' aid during the Revolutionary War, are the essential characteristics of American Republican government.
Basic Tenets of American Democracy
The British had no written constitution, leading to the creation of a political culture with commonly shared attitudes, behaviors, and core values about government operations. The principles of popular consent and majority rule, along with individual rights, are fundamental to American democracy.
Articles of Confederation and Shays Rebellion
In late 1777, the Articles of Confederation were adopted, leading to the creation of a "league of friendship" between the 13 sovereign colonies. This formed a confederacy, wherein the national government was weaker than the sum of its parts. The critical period from 1781-1789 saw the nation struggling under the Articles of Confederation, leading to issues such as unpaid army, unregulated commerce, and no executive or judicial branch.
Shays' Rebellion
In 1786, Massachusetts' adoption of a constitution that favored the wealthy led to economic decline and discontent among the lower and middle classes. This discontent erupted in Shays' Rebellion, where armed farmers marched to the government arsenal in Springfield, MA, protesting debt repayments. This event highlighted the challenges of the Articles of Confederation in maintaining order and unity.
Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention, initially intended to revise the Articles of Confederation, led to the establishment of the U.S. Constitution. George Washington, hailed as the "father of the nation," presided over the convention. The debate about the framers' motives led to the adoption of a stronger, centralized government.
In conclusion, the events surrounding the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation shaped the foundations of American democracy and government. Shays' Rebellion and the Constitutional Convention highlighted the need for a more robust and unified system of governance.
