LAD #3-Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776. It stated that throughout history it is just to overthrow the government that had kept the colonists together, if they feel they have been failing to do so. All men have certain unalienable rights; they include life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Government is enforced to ensure these rights. If the government fails to do its job the people can abolish it and create a new government that will institute safety and happiness. However, the government will not be overthrown by light and insufficient causes.

The Declaration of Independence was created to explain why America pulled away from Great Britain. They felt Great Britain didn’t abide by laws, they had secret meetings, the colonists were taxed without consent (“no taxation without representation”), their homes were invaded by soldiers, British army has blockades without consent form legislature, and have navigation laws.

The Americans are very upset with the Britain’s reactions after numerous attempts trying to confront them. As the American stated, “They too have been to deaf to the voice of justice…” The Americans had to do what was in their best interest, so they appealed the Supreme Judge and claimed themselves as free and independent states, meaning they had full power to levy wars, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and so on.

LAD #2-Zenger Trial

1. Who was John Peter Zenger? He was a Journalist that started controversy by exposing corrupt practices of British government. During the 1700s this was a serious crime.
2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton's defense. The controversy was weather or not the info should be published. Zenger was charged with “seditious libel” meaning he stirred up rebellion against the government by publishing info to damage a person’s reputation. Hamilton’s defense argued that Zenger published info, denying the printed material was only libel unless false.
3. What influence did his case have on American governmental tradition? This case later established that journalists could publish info, but it must be factual or they were liable, this is known as freedom of press.4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain. The lasting significance was the creation of the Constitution. The first amendment states that one has freedom or religion, press, assembly, speech, and petition. However, freedom of press does not allow one to publish something false that could negatively affect others.

LAD #1-Mayflower Compact and the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1) What concepts are included in the Mayflower Compact?
Under this compact it stated that the colony in northern Virginia that the colonists would be united under a political body. It also included just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitution, and officers for the general good of the colony.
2) How does the Mayflower Compact reflect and attachment to both the "Old" and "New" worlds?
The Christian faith and the idea of loyalty to a king were brought to the new world from the old world in Europe.
3) How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?
The Fundamental Orders is much more specific and direct than the Mayflower Compact. The Fundamental Orders made assemblies and ran the colony in Massachusetts and the Mayflower Compact only created a colony.
4) What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written Constitution?
The Fundamental Orders principles were later applied in creating the United States governments. Government is based in the rights of an individual, and the orders spell out some of those rights, as well as how they are ensured by the government. It provides that all free men share in electing their magistrates, and uses secret, paper ballots. Colonists were willing to take an approach to government because they could have a say in it.
5) In what significant way(s) does the Fundamental Orders reflect a fear of and safeguard against the usurping of power by one person or a chosen few?
Elections were held and the magistrates and assemblies were established to keep order and peace.