What was the political philosophy of republicanism? What will ...

[NClaborn]

Question 1

What were the key weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
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  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What was the political philosophy of republicanism?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

[enass]

Answer 1

ANSWER: Students should begin by discussing the original concept of John Dickinson and why Congress did not adopt these recommendations. Most of the Articles' weaknesses stemmed from the government's lack of authority, so it is important that students understand why Congress structured the government in the way that it chose. Students should look at the inability to raise revenue as a key factor behind the weakness of the Articles. The need for unanimous consent to take action is another topic for discussion. Finally, students should examine how Shays's Rebellion demonstrated the true weakness of the government and what people in society were most threatened by this weakness.

Answer 2

ANSWER: Most students will see that at its base, republicanism entailed a rejection of monarchy, but that it suggested a good deal more. Republicanism suggested the need for impartial citizens to put aside selfish desires and promote the good of all. Most republicans believed that a republic required a small, decentralized polity, preferably with close ties to the soil. But better students will recognize the emergence of alternative views, articulated by Smith's philosophy that stressed how a society of self-interested individuals could promote the common good.