Chapter 10 Essay Questions – Launching the New Ship of State
What was to be the purpose of a National Bank? What particular functions would it perform?
Compare and contrast "loose" and "strict" constructions. What is the basis of support for each position?
What was the importance of the Whiskey Rebellion?
Compare and contrast the Federalists and Republicans, especially their views on democracy, government power, economy, and foreign affairs.
Which sectional and economic groups generally supported the Federalists and which the Republicans? Why?
Write your definition of democracy. Then use this definition to argue that Jefferson or Hamilton was the better spokesperson for democratic government in the 1790s.
How would you have voted on funding, assumption, the National Bank, and protective tariffs in Hamilton’s program? Explain why you would advocate strict or loose constructionism.
Which party, Federalist or Republican, would you have been most comfortable in? Why?
Describe what you think would be Hamilton’s assessment of government in the United States today. Describe what you think Jefferson’s assessment would be.
According to the text’s authors, "critics claimed that Hamilton loved his country more than he loved his fellow citizens." Rephrase this statement in your own words, then supply evidence that the statement is true.
The text’s authors say "it was fortunate for the Republic that the Federalists had the helm [control of the government] for a time." Do you agree? Why or why not?
What was the relationship between the French Revolution and American domestic politics in the 1790s?
Summarize the central argument of the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions. Explain why they are key documents in American history.
Very early in its national history, the United States established a tradition of "isolationism" in its foreign policy. How did the Neutrality Proclamation and Washington’s Farewell Address contribute to this tradition?
Define majority rule. Then use this definition to argue that the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions were or were not a threat to majority rule.
Before 1790, American leaders denounced political parties. Explain why, nonetheless, political parties came into existence and what function they performed in the early Republic.
List as many First Amendment freedoms as you can think of. Now explain why the Jeffersonians were outraged at the Alien and Sedition Acts.
List the provisions of the Jay Treaty. Which were most unsatisfactory to American interests? Why?
Which of the following do you think was the most important service to American national interests: Neutrality Proclamation, Farewell Address, Convention of 1800? Justify your selection.
John Adams came to believe that his peaceful resolution of the problems with France in 1800 was "the most splendid diamond in my crown." Why did he think so? Was his pride justified? Why or why not?
A diplomatic historian has said in reference to early American foreign policy that "Europe’s troubles became America’s opportunities." What events of the 1790s would best illustrate the truth of this remark? Why?