Small islands, not capable of protecting themselves, are the proper objects for kingdoms to take under their care; but there is something absurd, in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island.   In no instance hath nature made the satellite larger than its primary planet; and as England and America, with respect to each other, reverse the common order of nature, it is evident that they belong to different systems. England to Europe: America to itself...

What is the primary argument used in this passage by Thomas Paine to make his point?

This policy of supplying, by opposite and rival interests, the defect of better motives, might be traced through the whole system of human affairs, private as well as public. We see it particularly displayed in all the subordinate distributions of power, where the constant aim is to divide and arrange the several offices in such a manner as that each may be a check on the other that the private interest of every individual may be a sentinel over the public rights. These inventions of prudence cannot be less requisite in the distribution of the supreme powers of the State.

What was the primary reason James Madison wrote this and other Federalist Papers?

This policy of supplying, by opposite and rival interests, the defect of better motives, might be traced through the whole system of human affairs, private as well as public. We see it particularly displayed in all the subordinate distributions of power, where the constant aim is to divide and arrange the several offices in such a manner as that each may be a check on the other that the private interest of every individual may be a sentinel over the public rights. These inventions of prudence cannot be less requisite in the distribution of the supreme powers of the State.

Which constitutional principle does Madison most directly describe in this passage?

When the British and French both seized American vessels if they touched at the ports of the other, Jefferson decided to test one of his favorite doctrines - that war was both intolerable and unnecessary, and that the best weapon against both powers lay in economic sanctions. He got Congress to pass a series of five Embargo Acts, stringently forbidding U.S. trade with Britain and France not only overseas but even along the Canadian border....

According to this passage, what was President Thomas Jefferson’s primary objective in proposing the Embargo Acts?

When the British and French both seized American vessels if they touched at the ports of the other, Jefferson decided to test one of his favorite doctrines - that war was both intolerable and unnecessary, and that the best weapon against both powers lay in economic sanctions. He got Congress to pass a series of five Embargo Acts, stringently forbidding U.S. trade with Britain and France not only overseas but even along the Canadian border....

What was one result of the failure of the Embargo Acts?

Apprehension seems to exist among the people of the Southern States that by the accession of a Republican Administration their property and their peace and personal security are to be endangered.  There has never been any reasonable cause for such apprehension.  Indeed, the most ample evidence to the contrary has all the while existed and been open to their inspection.  It is found in nearly all the published speeches of him who now address you.  I do but quote from one of those speeches when I declare that--

I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists.  I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so...

What is one reason President Abraham Lincoln included these statements in this address?

Apprehension seems to exist among the people of the Southern States that by the accession of a Republican Administration their property and their peace and personal security are to be endangered.  There has never been any reasonable cause for such apprehension.  Indeed, the most ample evidence to the contrary has all the while existed and been open to their inspection.  It is found in nearly all the published speeches of him who now address you.  I do but quote from one of those speeches when I declare that--

I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists.  I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so...

Which later action by President Lincoln demonstrated a change from his 1861 position?

Thus American development has exhibited not merely advance along a single line, but a return to primitive conditions on a continually advancing frontier line, and a new development for that area. American social development has been continually beginning over again on the frontier.  This perennial rebirth, this fluidity of American life, this expansion westward with its new opportunities, its continuous touch with the simplicity of primitive society, furnishing the forces dominating American character...

Which geographic feature does Frederick Jackson Turner suggest as primary in the creation of the American character?

Thus American development has exhibited not merely advance along a single line, but a return to primitive conditions on a continually advancing frontier line, and a new development for that area. American social development has been continually beginning over again on the frontier.  This perennial rebirth, this fluidity of American life, this expansion westward with its new opportunities, its continuous touch with the simplicity of primitive society, furnishing the forces dominating American character...

Which federal action is most consistent with the ideas expressed by Frederick Jackson Turner in this excerpt?

Private monopolies are indefensible and intolerable. They destroy competition, control the price of all material, and of the finished product, thus robbing both producer and consumer.   They lessen the employment of labor, and arbitrarily fix the terms and conditions thereof; and deprive individual energy and small capital of their opportunity of betterment. ..

The authors of the passage would have been most critical of the activities of which two individuals?

Private monopolies are indefensible and intolerable. They destroy competition, control the price of all material, and of the finished product, thus robbing both producer and consumer.   They lessen the employment of labor, and arbitrarily fix the terms and conditions thereof; and deprive individual energy and small capital of their opportunity of betterment. ..

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, how did Congress attempt to address these practices?

A historian would most likely use this document to investigate events leading up to the

How did United States foreign policy change in the years immediately following this event?

"I think all men recognize that in time of war the citizen must surrender some
rights for the common good which he is entitled to enjoy in time of peace.
But sir, the right to control their own government, according to constitutional
forms, is not one of the rights that the citizens of this country are called upon
to surrender in time of war ....

More than all, the citizen and his representative in Congress in time of war must maintain his right of free speech. More than in time of war must maintain his right of free speech. More than in times of peace it is necessary that the channels for free public discussion of governmental policies shall be open and unclogged. 

According to the passage, what is one argument in support of free speech during wartime?

"I think all men recognize that in time of war the citizen must surrender some
rights for the common good which he is entitled to enjoy in time of peace.
But sir, the right to control their own government, according to constitutional
forms, is not one of the rights that the citizens of this country are called upon
to surrender in time of war ....

More than all, the citizen and his representative in Congress in time of war must maintain his right of free speech. More than in time of war must maintain his right of free speech. More than in times of peace it is necessary that the channels for free public discussion of governmental policies shall be open and unclogged. 

Which Supreme Court decision addresses the issue raised by Senator La Follette in this speech?

Why were President Herbert Hoover and the Republican Party unable to solve the problem addressed in this cartoon?

What was the reason for President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s reaction to the Supreme Court as shown in this cartoon?

Which situation led the Western Defense Command and Fourth Army Wartime Civil Control Administration to issue this order?

What Supreme Court case upheld the constitutionality of this order?

What was a primary purpose of the Marshall Plan?

Section 1: This joint resolution may be cited as the " War Powers Resolution."

Purpose and Policy

Section 2: (a) It is the purpose of this joint resolution to fulfill the intent of the framers of the Constitution of the United States and insure that the collective judgment of both the Congress and the President will apply to the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, and to the continued use of such forces in hostilities or in such situations. ...

c) The constitutional powers of the President as Commander-in-Chief to introduce United States Armed Forces into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, are exercised only pursuant to (1) a declaration of war, (2) specific statutory authorization, or (3) a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces.

The purpose of this law was to

Section 1: This joint resolution may be cited as the " War Powers Resolution."

Purpose and Policy

Section 2: (a) It is the purpose of this joint resolution to fulfill the intent of the framers of the Constitution of the United States and insure that the collective judgment of both the Congress and the President will apply to the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, and to the continued use of such forces in hostilities or in such situations. ...

c) The constitutional powers of the President as Commander-in-Chief to introduce United States Armed Forces into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, are exercised only pursuant to (1) a declaration of war, (2) specific statutory authorization, or (3) a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces.

What event most directly led to the passage of this act?

"President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Voting Rights Act as Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders look on at the United States Capitol. "

Which presidential role is being demonstrated in this action?

What was one way the Voting Rights Act expanded the civil rights of African Americans?