Revolution, Union, Parties and Nation building:
Did the existence of competing political parties stabilize or destabilize the United States in is nation-building era, 1776-1840? Was the confederation and then the nation more or less stable with or without strong and competitive parties? Did the Federalist attempts to suppress party competition in the 1790s go well?
Please write an essay of roughly five typed pages on one of the following questions. Please be sure to illustrate your argument with reference to several specific episodes our period, from ~1776-1840.
Note: You are expected to use this paper to demonstrate the range and depth of your understanding of the lectures, discussions, and readings assigned for Part II of this course. Support your position in each of these essays with appropriate evidence from the lectures, readings, and documents. Please try to be as specific as possible within the limits of this short essay. It is a good idea to refer directly to the specific readings; short author-title footnoting* is encouraged.
Note:
Occasionally students use books and articles not assigned for this course. This is acceptable, but only in addition to demonstrating a specific and footnoted command of the assigned readings.