Test Essays, Early American Politics

Essay One

Essentially, the Articles of Confederation failed because it did not suit the states and their needs, and it was not specific enough to serve as the basic guidelines of a Nation. The contrast in citizens in the states was very high. Some were wealthy business owners in the Northern States, some were artisans living by sea ports, some were southerners making a living on cotton and whiskey. Yet others were frontier men, living on the edge of the 'civilized' world amongst 'savages' and wilderness. The needs for this wide range of people are extensive.

The smaller states wanted equality in this legislature and voting rights; while the states with the larger population wanted an increased voting rights according to population. The poor peoples, such as farmers in the northern region felt they were not being reasonably represented by the well-to-do pompous politicians. These were all some of the problems being addressed during the Constitutional Convention. Representatives from most states came to this convention to fairly represent their own people. Eventually, an equilibrium was found and most of the attendants were satisfied with the outcome of the convention.

Essay Two

The presidency of George Washington was a swift turning point in America's history. At first the citizens of the states were unsure whether or not one man could rule over a nation without possessing too much power and ultimately causing corruption (which was the very thing they despised, for it reminded then of England.) George Washington, of course, was the perfect candidate. He was equally loved by both the North and South for his bravery and presence. Washington stood on either side of the political line, which was a large reason that he was elected so unanimously.

Ultimately, he set a precedent of high quality and standard. He chose to serve for only two terms in office, thus proving to the people that indeed he was not a dictator, nor did he expect the next to hold office should be either. The debate on how to follow in his footsteps, and what ideals were truly right for this new nation was the cause of the true separation in political parties.

The first parties went by these names: the Democratic Republicans, and the Federalists. The Federalist (led by Alexander Hamilton (?) ) held the understanding that the colonies should be governed by a central government, which would look over the entire Nation as a whole, but still granting the states a legislature so that they were able to govern themselves as well. The Democratic Republicans saw it differently. John Adams and the rest of his political party believed that each state should be its own union; without central government or a central form of currency. Washington's precedent ultimately set the bar for the American leaders in the future.

Essay Three

There are three branches in the United States: the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch, and the Judicial Branch.

The Executive Branch houses the top leaders of the US. Ultimately the head of all branches and citizens is the President. You must be at least 35 years old and natural born citizen to be able to at least run for this office. The President is counselled by his Cabinet, whom is chosen by him to aid him in being a leader. As well as being head of the other houses, the President is Commander in Chief of all military and naval practices. He also has power to veto any laws that are proposed by the Congress. A President's term is four years.

Next, is the Legislative Branch. There are two houses inside this branch; Congress and the House of Representatives. The House of Representatives is composed of 2 or more representatives from each state who are elected by the people of that state. The Legislature has the power to propose and pass laws. The second house, Congress, is slightly higher up in standing than the House of Representatives. They generally do the same thing as the House of Representatives, only not with the states, but for the Federal Government. The President has the power to Veto a law that is about to be passed if he so chooses. The Legislative Branch, however does have the power to impeach, so in this way they look after each other. To be part of the House of Representatives, you must be a citizen of the state you wish to represent.

At last, there is the Judicial Branch. This branch has power over the court systems and the Supreme court. A Supreme Court judge (appointed by the President) stays in this position for life, until there is due cause to eject him from his office. All three branches have the power of checks and balances, which means that they regulate each other, making this an affective form of government.