These are my two essay topics and I need to write both of them. However, I don't know what to talk about because I don't quite understand what the topic is asking me. Can someone clarify it? As well as providing some information?
THANKS!
1) To what extend did constitutional and social developments between 1860 and 18777 amount to a revolution?
2) By the 1850s the Constitution, originally framed as an instrument of national unity, had become a source of sectional discord and tension and ultimately led to the failure of the union it had created. Assess the validity of this statement.
Is this true or false? Congress did not have power to enforce laws under the Articles of Confederation.
its true. under the articles or confederation, it was the state government that decided whether to enforce a law or not.
1) To what extent did constitutional and social developments between 1860 and 1877 amount to a revolution?
The topic is asking you to evaluate the significance of constitutional and social changes that occurred in the United States between 1860 and 1877. It wants you to assess whether these changes were revolutionary in nature or if they did not fundamentally transform society.
To address this topic, you could start by researching the major constitutional and social developments during this time period. For example, you might investigate the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, Reconstruction, and the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. Analyze these events and their impact on society, considering factors such as political power shifts, social attitudes, and the rights of individuals.
In your essay, provide evidence to support your arguments. This could include citing specific legislation, court cases, or social movements that shaped the period. Use primary and secondary sources to back up your claims and draw connections between different events.
Consider any counterarguments as well. For example, some may argue that despite these significant changes, there were still many unresolved social and political issues at the end of the period, suggesting that the developments did not amount to a full revolution. Acknowledge these opposing views and address them in your essay, either by refuting them or by presenting a more nuanced perspective.
2) By the 1850s, the Constitution, originally framed as an instrument of national unity, had become a source of sectional discord and tension and ultimately led to the failure of the union it had created. Assess the validity of this statement.
This topic asks you to evaluate whether the Constitution, which was intended to unify the United States, instead contributed to division and ultimately caused the failure of the Union. It invites you to analyze the reasons for this discord and assess how significant they were in the overall dissolution of the Union.
To answer this question, you should start by examining the causes of the sectional discord that arose by the 1850s. This could include investigating issues such as slavery, states' rights, and differing economic interests between the North and the South. Look into events and legislation such as the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, and the Dred Scott decision.
Address both sides of the argument in your essay. Discuss how the Constitution attempted to create unity by including mechanisms for compromise and representation, and consider the ways in which it was tested and strained. Evaluate whether the issues that emerged were inherent flaws in the Constitution or challenges that any system of government would have faced.
Support your arguments with evidence, such as quotes from historical figures, primary sources, or scholarly interpretations. Analyze secondary sources that discuss the development of sectional tensions during this period and provide different perspectives. Consider the timing, significance, and long-term effects of the factors that contributed to the failure of the Union.
Remember to structure your essay in a clear and organized manner, with an introduction that outlines your thesis, body paragraphs that present evidence and arguments, and a conclusion that summarizes your main points and offers a thoughtful assessment of the validity of the statement.