Study Questions for Making War and Republican Governments (1776-1789

(From your professor)

Adams

  1. What is Abigail Adams talking about when she asks her husband, John, to "remember the ladies"?
  2. Is her sentiment valid, given the values of the American Revolution and the Enlightenment ideas upon which it was based?

Hall

  1. Upon what values/authority does Hall make his case?
  2. Why is his sentiment valid, given the values of the American Revolution and the Enlightenment ideas upon which it was based?
  3. Could the United States fulfill his founding promises without acknowledging the human rights of women and people of color? Explain.

Madison

  1. Why did the United States seek to revamp - and eventually replace - the Articles of Confederation?
  2. In Federalist 10 & 51, James Madison discusses factions and their roles in American society. What are factions? How do/can they affect American democracy?
  3. Does James Madison feel that factions can be eradicated? Why or why not? In what ways does Madison propose that factionalism's negative effects be neutralized?
  4. According to Madison, what seems to be the key to balancing individual liberty - a key American civic goal - with the majoritarian requirements of democracy - another key American civic value?