Short Essays

1.) The Articles of Confederation was created by the Continental Congress which declared independence, raised an army, issued currency, borrowed money from abroad, and negotiated an alliance with France.   In 1777, this plan was presented for ratification.   The Articles declared “The United States of America” to be a “firm league of friendship” between the thirteen colonies.   Congress would not be able to collect taxes or regulate trade.   They could only request funds from the states.   In 1781 the Articles of Confederation won ratification and the Confederation controlled the western lands.   The Articles of Confederation was important because it made the union of the thirteen colonies legal and identified them as sovereign states. (178)

2.)   The Constitution of the United States of America was adopted on September 17, 1787.   It provides the framework for the organization of the United States government and for the relationship of the federal government to the citizens of the states.   The Constitution defines three main branches of government: legislature, bicameral congress led by the president, and a judicial branch headed by the Supreme Court.   The Constitution defines the power of each branch.   It is the shortest and oldest written Constitution to date.   It is important because it is the center of the United States law and political culture.   (207-210)

3.)   The Whiskey Rebellion took place in 1794 in Pennsylvania.   Cash strapped farm families were outraged at the excise taxes placed on whiskey.   Because of this they attacked officials and anyone that put this into play.   They closed courts, blocked roads, and held mass protests.   Because of this Hamilton decided to use western Pennsylvania as an example for enforcing the tax.   Troops were ordered to use their force to put the rebellion to a stop.   When they got there they realized that they were a little too late because the rebellion had calmed.   This was significant in history due to the fact that this...