The Federalist Papers...

The framework of the American government today-a representative government with a strong 
federal government--was laid out in a series of essays or treatises collectively called the 
Federalist Papers. The eighty-five essays appeared in one or more of the following four New York newspapers: 1) The New York Journal, edited by Thomas Greenleaf, 2) Independent Journal, edited by John McLean, 3) New York Advertiser, edited by Samuel and John Loudon, and 4) Daily Advertiser, edited by Francis Childs. Initially, they were intended to be a twenty essay response to the Antifederalist attacks on the Constitution that were flooding the New York newspapers right after the Constitution had been signed in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. 

The Cato letters started to appear on September 27, George Mason’s objections were in circulation and the Brutus essays were launched on October 18. The number of essays in The Federalist was extended in response to the relentless, and effective, Antifederalist criticism of the proposed Constitution.

The first 36 essays together were bundled, and —they appeared in the newspapers between October 27, 1787 and January 8, 1788, —and published them as Volume 1 on March 22, 1788. Essays 37 through 77 of The Federalist appeared between January 11, and April 2, 1788. On May 28, John McLean took Federalist 37-77, as well as the yet to be published Federalist 78-85, and issued them all as Volume 2 of The Federalist. Between June 14 and August 16, these eight remaining essays, —Federalist 78-85, —appeared in the Independent Journal and New York Packet.The author of Federalist Paper 51 is not known, though it was most likely James Madison or Alexander Hamilton. The author argues that the Constitution's federal system and separation of powers will protect the rights of the people.  

Read Federalist Paper #51.  Then, in the comments section, respond to three of the following questions.

1. How does the anonymous author reflect ideas of a republican form of government?
2. Why is the author so concerned with the distribution of power between the parts of government?
3. What "check and balances" does the author propose to keep the three powers of the government separate and distinct?
4. How does the author advocate for protections or safeguards for the rights or liberties of the people?
6. How does the separation of powers protect minority interests?
7. Does the Constitution account for all of the possible interests in American society and protect them equally?

Students interested in an enrichment activity may complete the Federalist ReWrite for up to 50 points in their first quarter average.  This must be completed and submitted by 10/25/2013.

American Foreign Policies - The French Revolution

In your response and comments, explain why the French Revolution was such a dangerously divisive world event, even in America. Point out that part of the disagreement in America was over whether the French were only carrying out the principles of the American Revolution or whether they were advocating a more radical doctrine of class conflict.





This assignment is due by Sunday, October 23, 2011, at 11:59 p.m.

Practice Quizzes

Please complete the following practice quizzes as you read through and review the material in Unit 5. This unit covers the period of the early American Republic.  It includes the administrations of the United States' first three presidents, Washington, Adams, and Jefferson.  However, the key player in much of this period is actually a non-president, former Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton.
Chapter 10 Quiz (20 points)
Chapter 11 Quiz (20 points)
Chapter 12 Quiz (20 points)




These are due by Saturday, October 21, at 11:59 p.m.