How did American law begin to diverge from English law in the 1700s? How did American politics differ from English politics in the 1700s, and what were some of the reasons for those differences?

On page 28, Keller writes “There was plenty of old wine in the bright new bottle of the United States of America.” What did he mean by that?

How did British policy post-1763 lead to the American Revolution? How did the colonists respond to acts of Parliament? Why was “representation” such a key issue? What were the short- and long-term consequences of these events on American political culture? How were the Articles of Confederation a reflection of this history?

Describe the major compromises reached at the Constitutional Convention, and their impacts.

Describe how and why America’s first political parties formed. What issues divided these parties?

Why was the Jay Treaty such a controversial issue in 1795? How did it increase partisanship?

What impact did newspapers (especially after the passage of the Post Office Act of 1792) have on American partisanship? What parallels do you see to today’s politics?

What other forms of modern partisanship do you see forming in the 1790s?

Why was the War of 1812 such a significant event for American history and politics (especially for the Federalist Party)? Why did the Federalist Party disappear after the War? How is this a “cautionary tale” for later political parties?

Federalist 10

How does Madison define “faction”?

What are the two ways that the problem of faction can be addressed? Which way does Madison favor, and why?

What is the difference between a majority and a minority faction? Which one is more dangerous according to Madison, and why? Which groups is Madison envisioning when he thinks of “majority factions”?

What is the best form of government for dealing with factions, according to Madison?

Federalist 51

According to Madison, why is a federal system of government, with separation of powers and checks and balances, the best form of government?

Why would majorities and those in strong positions favor this system?

Centinel 1

What are the objections that the author raises about the Constitution?

Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions

What event prompted Madison and Jefferson to author the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions? What are they arguing the federal government has done, and what recourse do the states have? What other times in U. S. history have these arguments been used?