Democracy in Early American History
How democratic were the British North American colonies before the American Revolution and how democratic was the system of government formed by the ratification of the US Constitution in 1787?
The final draft of your essay should be about 1,200 words long, or 4 double-spaced pages in 12 pt font with 1-inch margins on all sides of letter stock (8½ x 11), and submitted as a Word (doc or docx). In the first draft, you are only required to address three of the final six essential elements required in the final, so it may therefore be shorter. However, as a first draft in which you are working out your ideas, it may in fact be longer.
You must send me a first draft before Oct 05 which contains the first three elements and each part must refer at least once to the text. There are no other requirement for the first draft. (You only need Ch1-3 for the first draft)
The final draft of your essay must address the following six elements and each part must refer at least once to the text. See all elements in (6 element.png)
Read Chapter 1 of Who Built America, volume I, "A Meeting of Three Worlds: Europe, Africa, and American Colonization, 1492-1680."
Read Chapter 2 of Who Built America, volume I, "Servitude, Slavery and the Growth of the Southern Colonies, 1620-1760"
Read Chapter 3 of Who Built America, volume I, "Family Labor and the Growth of the Northern Colonies, 1640-1760"
Read Chapter 4 of Who Built America, volume I, "Toward Revolution, 1750-1776"
Read Chapter 5 of Who Built America, volume I, "Revolution, Constitution, and the People, 1776-1815"
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Democracy in Early American History
Question 1
Democracy is collectively ideal based on common values shared by individuals worldwide irrespective of political, cultural, economic, and social differences. Most people are familiar with the form of government is, a democracy, a political or social system in which residents oversee themselves directly or indirectly. Democracy allows ordinary individuals a pivotal say in who oversees a country and how they govern it based on a system of government by all nation's residents, usually executed through elected representatives. Conversely, democracy as a social system provides an atmosphere that respects fundamental freedoms and human rights and in which the openly expressed will of the people is executed.
One of the key features of democracy involves respect for basic rights. Most rights safeguarded by the Bill of Rights are rights that individuals should have irrespective of their nation, although democracy protects and promotes these rights (Day n.p). Bulman-Pozen, Jessica, and Miriam (119) claimed the freedoms and rights comprised freedom of assembly, speech, good job, housing, religion, and safety from government intervention. Another key feature includes multi-party political systems combined with political tolerance. In a true democracy, citizen rights are equal and should be respected irrespective of who is in power. In most cases, a democracy flourishes on openness and richness of thoughts through conquering the freedoms and rights of the minority the majority holds itself back. Also, a democracy comprises a democratic voting system because as the government exists to serve the citizens, public opinion changes and only elections can produce diverse results at different times; thus, it is critical to have a system that supports free and fair elections. Additionally, a democracy must include respect for the rule of law. Sobirovich and Turdiyev (335) claimed that the rule of law enables all citizens, including leaders, to be treated equally by law. Thus, it defends against dictatorial inclinations by ensuring nobody is above the law.
Question 2
A democratic society is a pluralistic society with tolerance and appropriate respect for important human rights. A democratic society provides numerous remunerations to its citizens. For instance, a democratic society gives citizens the right to make decisions concerning their lives, to develop their possibilities as humans, and to live free from discrimination, harassment, and fear. Furthermore, it provides them with security under the law and the freedom to elect legislators they want and eliminate them if they fail to perform to their satisfaction. An open, democratic society also guarantees universality of the scope of law and equality before the law for every person through the principle of the rule of law.
On the other hand, freedom of the press exposes corruption, incompetence, malpractice, and diversity of media opinions, providing alternate elucidation of news and events. A strong democratic society also fosters an active and outspoken civil society and solid public debate, such as disagreement with the government. Citizens living in a democratic society are traditionally entitled to air their opinions concerning issues in front of others. They should do this without fearing reprisal when they air their criticisms and recommendations for government policies.
Question 3
During the 1600s and 1700s, Europeans moved to North America for economic opportunities, religious freedom, and political liberty. However, those who came to occupy the East Coast of North America became permanent settlers; although the majority hoped to achieve economic independence or political and religious freedom, they were denied at home (Clark and Hewitt 36). Alternatively, England's North American colonies welcomed settlers from the British Isles and other regions of Europe (Clark and Hewitt 63). The Europeans ended up creating thirteen colonies on the East Coast side.
Later, when colonies got independence, these 13 colonies (New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Connecticut) became the thirteen original states. Before the revolution, every colony had its own government, although the British had total control over these colonies. Several colonies were annoyed since they needed more self-government, meaning they could not govern themselves and create laws. Blackhawk and Maggie (148) argued that suffrage limits, authority, economic disparities, colonial governors, and lack of unified unity produced undemocratic components. The tension from these differences led to the establishment of the American Revolution. Numerous northern colonists were free, but not all were poor white immigrants, particularly in Pennsylvania, who had signed on for a time of indentured servitude (Clark and Hewitt 112). The colonies were tasked to pay great taxes to the king and felt that doing so to an administration they lacked representation was disingenuous.
A democratic society features various characteristics such as civil duty, rights, freedoms, civility, and accountability. Civil duties are citizens' responsibilities, including abiding by reasonable laws. Besides, rights involve things society owes to the nation's citizens, such as security and safety. Conversely, a democratic society has freedoms limited to power and authority, like allowing the people to decide things for themselves. Civility in a democratic society consists of a culture of solving differences utilizing societal approaches, such as norms, laws, and peaceful demonstrations. A democratic society also holds decision-makers accountable for the results. The heads of government, for instance, are held accountable if they fail to achieve goals.
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