"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." - Constitution of the United States 1787
Analysis
Historical Context- In this document the colonies of the United States have gained independence from Britain and have established their own government that was based on the Articles of Confederation. This document changes and redefines the powers of the government and the branches of government. This document also addresses the issues of state rights in the government which had been a problem during this time.
Audience- The audience for this document is the people and states of the United States who are influenced and governed directly by this document. This was also created in mind of future generations who would use it as a guideline for the government for hundreds of years later.
Purpose- The purpose of this document was to create a national government with three branches of government the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. The document also separates the national government from the states' governments. Also the document outlines and protects the rights of American citizens.
Point of View- This document was created by many white males and is usually gender and racially specific in some of the rights and laws. Some of the men, federalists, wanted to have a powerful federal government while some wanted a weak federal government, anti-federalists. This led to the separation of the state and national governments and the creation of the Bill of Rights.
Historical Context- In this document the colonies of the United States have gained independence from Britain and have established their own government that was based on the Articles of Confederation. This document changes and redefines the powers of the government and the branches of government. This document also addresses the issues of state rights in the government which had been a problem during this time.
Audience- The audience for this document is the people and states of the United States who are influenced and governed directly by this document. This was also created in mind of future generations who would use it as a guideline for the government for hundreds of years later.
Purpose- The purpose of this document was to create a national government with three branches of government the legislative, judicial, and executive branches. The document also separates the national government from the states' governments. Also the document outlines and protects the rights of American citizens.
Point of View- This document was created by many white males and is usually gender and racially specific in some of the rights and laws. Some of the men, federalists, wanted to have a powerful federal government while some wanted a weak federal government, anti-federalists. This led to the separation of the state and national governments and the creation of the Bill of Rights.
"We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
-Declaration of Independence 1776
-Declaration of Independence 1776
Analysis
Historical Context- In this document the colonists are writing their grievances with the King of England and the British rule of the colonies in general. These grievances began once the British stopped using salutary neglect in their control over the colonies and tried to establish much more stringent control of the colonies. This control came in the form of laws such as the proclamation of 1763, the quartering act of 1765, the stamp act of 1765, the Townsend act 1767, and the intolerable acts of 1774. This caused the colonists to resist British rule which led to this document to readdress the rights of the colonists.
Audience- This document is targeted specifically for the King of England, who can address the grievances of the colonists and allow the colonists more freedom in government.
Purpose- The purpose for creating this document was to attempt to improve the lives of the colonists and change the way that the British were ruling the colonies. The colonists hoped that the king would allow the colonists more self-government and less regulation by the British.
Point of View- The men who made this document were directly affected by the increased British regulation of the colonies and felt as if their freedoms were greatly affected. These feelings are often expressed in the document.
Historical Context- In this document the colonists are writing their grievances with the King of England and the British rule of the colonies in general. These grievances began once the British stopped using salutary neglect in their control over the colonies and tried to establish much more stringent control of the colonies. This control came in the form of laws such as the proclamation of 1763, the quartering act of 1765, the stamp act of 1765, the Townsend act 1767, and the intolerable acts of 1774. This caused the colonists to resist British rule which led to this document to readdress the rights of the colonists.
Audience- This document is targeted specifically for the King of England, who can address the grievances of the colonists and allow the colonists more freedom in government.
Purpose- The purpose for creating this document was to attempt to improve the lives of the colonists and change the way that the British were ruling the colonies. The colonists hoped that the king would allow the colonists more self-government and less regulation by the British.
Point of View- The men who made this document were directly affected by the increased British regulation of the colonies and felt as if their freedoms were greatly affected. These feelings are often expressed in the document.
"Yes, Bill, nothing will save us but an entire stopping of trade, to both England and the West Indies, throughout the continent, and that must be determined both speedily and absolutely. The least hesitation by you to the south and all is over. . . . I sincerely believe they [the British Parliament] intend to carry out their threats, which are to make the town a desolate wilderness and the grass to grow in our streets."
-John Andrews, a Boston merchant, writes to his brother-in-law in Philadelphia, May 1774
-John Andrews, a Boston merchant, writes to his brother-in-law in Philadelphia, May 1774
Analysis
Historical Context- This letter references the intolerable acts which closed the port of Boston, mandated quartering of British soldiers, and prohibited town hall meetings. This was put into place due to the revolts against the British in Boston, particularly the Boston Tea Party, which were largely caused by the much more oppressive British rule over the colonies.
Audience- This letter was intended for the author's brother-in-law who was living in Philadelphia during the time. The brother-in-law may have been sympathetic to the author's troubles and may have experienced similar troubles due to the British control during this time period. The letter also suggests that the audience may be open to the idea of rebellion against the British.
Purpose- The purpose of the letter was to express the terrible circumstances in Boston that may provoke others to action. The author hopes that he can give off the message that rebellion would be the only may to stop the British from enacting their threats.
Point of View- The author, Andrews, is a Boston merchant who is directly affected by the increase in British rule and the intolerable acts placed onto Boston. He believes that the British are a threat to especially the people of Boston and he advocates for the rebellion against the British.
Historical Context- This letter references the intolerable acts which closed the port of Boston, mandated quartering of British soldiers, and prohibited town hall meetings. This was put into place due to the revolts against the British in Boston, particularly the Boston Tea Party, which were largely caused by the much more oppressive British rule over the colonies.
Audience- This letter was intended for the author's brother-in-law who was living in Philadelphia during the time. The brother-in-law may have been sympathetic to the author's troubles and may have experienced similar troubles due to the British control during this time period. The letter also suggests that the audience may be open to the idea of rebellion against the British.
Purpose- The purpose of the letter was to express the terrible circumstances in Boston that may provoke others to action. The author hopes that he can give off the message that rebellion would be the only may to stop the British from enacting their threats.
Point of View- The author, Andrews, is a Boston merchant who is directly affected by the increase in British rule and the intolerable acts placed onto Boston. He believes that the British are a threat to especially the people of Boston and he advocates for the rebellion against the British.
"And whereas great Frauds and Abuses have been committed in purchasing Lands of the Indians, to the great Prejudice of our Interests. and to the great Dissatisfaction of the said Indians: In order, therefore, to prevent such Irregularities for the future, and to the end that the Indians may be convinced of our Justice and determined Resolution to remove all reasonable Cause of Discontent, We do. with the Advice of our Privy Council strictly enjoin and require. that no private Person do presume to make any purchase from the said Indians of any Lands reserved to the said Indians, within those parts of our Colonies where, We have thought proper to allow Settlement."
-King George R.,The Royal Proclamation, October 7, 1763
-King George R.,The Royal Proclamation, October 7, 1763
Analysis
Historical Context- This proclamation was created directly following the French and Indian War, which expanded the territory of the British colonies. The colonists believed they had the right to settle this territory, which was mainly held by Native Americans. This proclamation was intended to stop disputes with Native Americans over territory and potentially avoid another war like the French and Indian War.
Audience- This proclamation was directed towards the colonists who wanted to move westward into the newly acquired territory.
Purpose- The purpose of this document was to stop colonists from moving westward into territory occupied by Native Americans and causing potential conflicts.
Point of View- From the King's point of view the British were just involved in a very costly war with the French and the Native Americans and he would like to avoid another costly war in the British colonies if possible.
Historical Context- This proclamation was created directly following the French and Indian War, which expanded the territory of the British colonies. The colonists believed they had the right to settle this territory, which was mainly held by Native Americans. This proclamation was intended to stop disputes with Native Americans over territory and potentially avoid another war like the French and Indian War.
Audience- This proclamation was directed towards the colonists who wanted to move westward into the newly acquired territory.
Purpose- The purpose of this document was to stop colonists from moving westward into territory occupied by Native Americans and causing potential conflicts.
Point of View- From the King's point of view the British were just involved in a very costly war with the French and the Native Americans and he would like to avoid another costly war in the British colonies if possible.
“The proposed Constitution, so far from implying an abolition of the State governments, makes them constituent parts of the national sovereignty, by allowing them a direct representation in the Senate, and leaves in their possession certain exclusive and very important portions of sovereign power. This fully corresponds, in every rational import of the terms, with the idea of a federal government.”
-Alexander Hamilton, Federalist Papers No. 9
-Alexander Hamilton, Federalist Papers No. 9
Analysis
Historical Context- During the creation of the Constitution there were two opposing viewpoints, the federalist and anti-federalist. The federalists supported the ratification of the constitution and were mainly led by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay. There men wanted to gain support for the Constitution so that it could be ratified.
Audience- This essay is directed towards the Americans who are uncertain of the Constitution and have reservations about the document. This excerpt is direct towards people who are afraid that the Constitution establishes too strong of a national government that would overshadow the state governments.
Purpose- The purpose of this essay is to convince people that ratifying the Constitution is the best thing for the American government. Hamilton hopes to end fears that states would not have enough power in the national government. By ending these fears the hope is to gain more support for the Constitution so it would be ratified.
Point of View- Hamilton is a federalist who wants the Constitution to be ratified and the establishment of a stronger central government.
Historical Context- During the creation of the Constitution there were two opposing viewpoints, the federalist and anti-federalist. The federalists supported the ratification of the constitution and were mainly led by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay. There men wanted to gain support for the Constitution so that it could be ratified.
Audience- This essay is directed towards the Americans who are uncertain of the Constitution and have reservations about the document. This excerpt is direct towards people who are afraid that the Constitution establishes too strong of a national government that would overshadow the state governments.
Purpose- The purpose of this essay is to convince people that ratifying the Constitution is the best thing for the American government. Hamilton hopes to end fears that states would not have enough power in the national government. By ending these fears the hope is to gain more support for the Constitution so it would be ratified.
Point of View- Hamilton is a federalist who wants the Constitution to be ratified and the establishment of a stronger central government.
"The moment is, indeed, important! – If government shrinks, or is unable to enforce its laws; fresh maneuvers will be displayed by the insurgents – anarchy & confusion must prevail – and every thing will be turned topsy turvey in that State; where it is not probable the mischiefs will terminate."
-George Washington letter to Henry Knox, 1787
-George Washington letter to Henry Knox, 1787
Analysis
Historical Context- George Washington wrote this is response of Shays' rebellion in which farmers protested and rioted against the increase in taxes particularly the whiskey tax. The farmers rioted and exposed the weakness of the central government under the Articles of Confederation. This later led to the change in government which led to the establishment of the Constitution.
Audience- George Washington is writing to his friend and confident Henry Knox, who has made a plan to build a central national government that could give the government more power to control events such as Shay's rebellion.
Purpose- Washington's purpose is to convey his feelings towards the recent rebellions occurring in the country at this time. He is also advocating for a larger central government to better deal with threats of anarchy and crises.
Point of View- From Washington's point of view these rebels will cause anarchy and topple the American government, of which he is in currently high-standing. In his opinion these rebels threaten his position and country that he helped establish.
Historical Context- George Washington wrote this is response of Shays' rebellion in which farmers protested and rioted against the increase in taxes particularly the whiskey tax. The farmers rioted and exposed the weakness of the central government under the Articles of Confederation. This later led to the change in government which led to the establishment of the Constitution.
Audience- George Washington is writing to his friend and confident Henry Knox, who has made a plan to build a central national government that could give the government more power to control events such as Shay's rebellion.
Purpose- Washington's purpose is to convey his feelings towards the recent rebellions occurring in the country at this time. He is also advocating for a larger central government to better deal with threats of anarchy and crises.
Point of View- From Washington's point of view these rebels will cause anarchy and topple the American government, of which he is in currently high-standing. In his opinion these rebels threaten his position and country that he helped establish.