1. Compare and contrast the Federalists and Republicans. Which do you agree with?
Republicans were strict when it came to following the Constitution. Federalists preferred to interpret the Constitution in their own interests. They were both interested in political power and upon occasion, leaned toward the other way of doing things if it met their needs. Federalists tended to distrust the "common public" and the Republicans had to take the other side and trust the people.
I agree with the Federalists because even though the people have their own best interests at heart, their overall loyalty lay with their territorial demarcations i.e. their state. As a United government, I believe we need to have a united governmental system. I think that the way we have now is the best way with Congress split between states rights and the federal governments' rights.
2. Describe the Sedition Act. Why was this act passed? In your opinion, did the act violate the Constitution? If so, how was it allowed to exist?
The Sedition Act targeted certain nationalities which I believe is against the Constitution which protects anyone on our shores, citizen or not. It stifled the opinions of those who disagreed with the way the government was being run. The Act resulted in limiting the amount of citizens from Ireland and France because they were suspected of supporting the Republicans. The Sedition Act also went against the Bill of Rights which allows the publishing of opinions no matter if they are against the government as long as they are not inciting to war.
Our civil liberties does not allow for the subduing of political opinion.
3. List two effects of the War of 1812.
1) The British agreed to evacuate their forts as part of the Treaty of Ghent.
2) The relatively new attitude of independence was re-fueled. The United States took back their honor with the belief that any foreign threat could be repelled. The words "United States" become much more realistic. The U.S. gained some international respect for this.
4. What caused the Second Great Awakening? How was it different from the First Great Awakening? What were the effects of the Second Great Awakening?
Both awakenings were the result of a decline in religious followings. The First Great Awakening resulting from the decline of religion which occurred as Enlightenment spread the ideas of scientific principles through the growing number of colleges in America was inspired by the charismatic preacher Jonathan Edwards of Massachusetts. His enthusiastic followers presented emotional conversions experiencing conversions with cries of elation. Christianity was introduced to the Slaves in the south and there was a growth of the Methodist and Baptist churches.
The Second Great Awakening was also the result of declining religious followings. It resulted in the growth of activist movements. Social activism was inspired by the Second Great Awakening. It promoted abolition of slavery and temperance. Baptists and Methodists grew to surpass the previously popular Presbyterians and Congregationalists. Mormons and Seventh Day Adventists grew from the Second Great Awakening (An Outline of American History, 2011, p. 88).
The Second Great Awakening differed in appearance from the First in that the Second was much more emotionally subdued as people bore witness to their faith in silence. Missionary societies went forth to evangelize the West from New England. Christian education was part of the evangelizing.