Discussion Questions for November 6

Here are some questions to help you prepare for our discussion tomorrow about Paul Johnson’s article on Mayo Greenleaf Patch. Don’t forget to print out the article online (in the JSTOR database), and bring it to class with you.

What is Johnson’s thesis?

Why did he choose to write about this family?

What are some of the major themes in this article?

What was his occupation, and how did it help Patch gain a degree of economic independence?

The year 1807 marked a dramatic turning point in the lives of the Patches and, if you buy Johnson’s argument, in the lives of Americans (at least, New Englanders) in general. What happened in 1807?

Why is this move significant and how did it change the structure of the Patch family?

How could we describe the relationship between Mayo and Abigail?

How did the naming of the Patch children illustrate the power relations in the family?

Discussion on Wednesday, October 22

Here are some questions to jump start our discussion of the Sedition Act (1798) and the Kentucky Resolutions (1798).  Bear in mind that the organic nature of in-class discussions will lead to questions not listed here.  See you all Wednesday!

SEDITION ACT

What are the main provisions of this act?

With all of these actions and opinions being prohibited, what ARE you allowed to do or say?

Who does it target?

Do you think that this approach was an effective method for diminishing the divisive partisan politics of the Early Republic?  Why, or why not?

As mentioned in lecture, President Adams didn’t strictly enforce the Sedition Act.  So, what is its significance?  What does it teach us?

KENTUCKY RESOLUTIONS

What passages in this document show support for the states’ rights position?

According to Jefferson’s interpretation of the Constitution, what power does Congress have?

Why were Democratic-Republicans like Jefferson opposed to the Alien Act (passed at the same time as the Sedition Act)?

Since the Kentucky Resolutions weren’t supported by other states, what is their greater significance?