Debate on the Bill of Rights in American History- In a world that seems increasingly divided, it is important that we realize that throughout history there have been many issues about which intense debates have raged.
In all of those debates, just like today, there have been intelligent and passionate people who have crafted arguments based on their particular view of the world and the evidence available to them. These men and women have made fervent pleas to both those affected by the issue and those with the power to effect change through speeches, articles, essays, and testimonies designed to detail their opinions and promote their particular solutions.
Debate on the Bill of Rights in American History Essay Guidelines
Ultimately, history has cast judgment on the “rightness” and “wrongness” of those arguments and the country has moved forward with the solutions deemed best by the majority.
– For this writing assignment, you are going to be asked to examine, analyze, and juxtapose two conflicting arguments made about some of the debates across America’s history. The goal of this assignment is not to cast judgment on the authors or their views but rather to reflect on the efficacy of the arguments on both sides and the effect(s) of the ultimate resolution(s) to the issue at hand on American culture and society.
-Analyze, examine, and discuss the various views surrounding some of America’s historical debates and reflect on the role of these debates and their ultimate resolution on the character of America and Americans. To fully address the debates, conduct research on the issues, carefully read the opposing viewpoints, reflect on the efficacy of both arguments, and consider the outcome of the debate.
Debate on the Bill of Rights in American History Response Paper Requirements
Craft your essay response in the following parts:
Part I – Introduce the issue at debate. Do some basic research on the issue using the WCJC library databases and the textbook combined with what you have learned in class to briefly discuss the historical context of the issue at debate to introduce the reader to the subject and its role in American History.
Part II – Analyze one side of the debate. Using your research and one of the documents provided explain to the reader one of the perspectives on the debate. Be sure to discuss the identity of the author, the main points of their argument, its strengths and weaknesses, and what types of evidence they used to convey their point of view.
Part III – Analyze the other side of the debate. Using your research and the other document provided explain to the reader the other perspective on the debate. Be sure to discuss the identity of the author, the main points of their argument, its strengths and weaknesses, and what types of evidence they used to convey their point of view.
Part IV – Consider the outcome of the debate and the role that debate played in American history. Tell the reader which of the arguments ultimately won out and how the debate was eventually resolved. Explain to the reader what steps were taken to bring the debate to resolution and how that resolution changed America historically and how it continues to impact American society today.
– Patrick Henry, Speech on Ratification of the proposed United States
– Constitution, June 16, 1788.Alexander Hamilton as “Publius,” Federalist Papers No. 84, 1788.
