Module 5 Discussion: A Republic of Laws, not Men
As one of the founding fathers of the United States, John Adams represented Massachusetts at the First Continental Congress in 1774, served on the Second Continental Congress in 1775, signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, was the first Vice President of the newly minted United States of America in 1789, and became the second U.S. President in 1797.
Watch the scene below from the award winning HBO miniseries based on historian David McCullough’s epic Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of the same name, John Adams, in which Adams delivers a rousing speech to delegates at the Second Continental Congress of 1775 in Philadelphia, during which he passionately calls on them to declare independence from Britain. Some colonial representatives, including cousins Samuel Adams and John Adams, fiercely advocated for independence, while others, like John Dickinson, author of the Olive Branch Petition, did not want to cut ties with Britain.
Questions: Read the transcript of John Adams’s speech for independence, and watch the scene during which he delivers his speech in an excerpt from the miniseries below. Why did Adams stress the importance of creating a republic of laws, and not men, in his statement, “I see a new nation ready to take its place in the world, not an empire but a republic, and a republic of laws, not men.”? Now switch gears to the Declaration of Independence. Why was the following statement in the Declaration of Independence so groundbreaking at the time of its proclamation? “We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
John Adams – God Save America (HQ) Independence Speech
Transcript of John Adams’s Speech:
Objects of the most stupendous magnitude. Measures which will affect the lives of millions, born and unborn are now before us. We must expect a great expense of blood to obtain them but we must always remember that a free constitution of civil government cannot be purchased a too dear a rate as there is nothing on this side of Jerusalem, of greater importance to mankind. My worthy colleague from Pennsylvania has spoken with great ingenuity and eloquence. He’s given you a grim prognostication of our national future, but where he foresees apocalypse I see hope. I see a new nation ready to take its place in the world. Not an empire, but a republic. And a republic of laws, not men. Gentlemen, we are in the very midst of revolution. The most complete unexpected and remarkable of any in the history of the world. How few of the human race have ever had an opportunity of choosing a system of government for themselves, and their children. I am not without apprehensions, gentlemen. But the end that we have in sight is more than worth all the means. My belief says that the hour has come. My judgment approves this measure and my whole heart is in it. All that I have, all that I am and all that I hope in this life, I am now ready to stake upon it. While I’ll live, let me have a country. A free country.
Your answer should be well written and a minimum of 250 words. Thanks! Be specific in your posts; don’t generalize. Cite examples to support your analysis; explain your assertions; and support your opinions with evidence. Fully answer each discussion question.
NEXT ASSIGNMENT: Module Current Event
Pick a current event that has national or international significance and that deal with issues of substance. (this year) You must include on the source of their current event. The first part of each summary will be a synopsis of the current event, and the second part will be the student’s thoughts/opinions regarding the current event. The essays will be a minimum of 100 – 150 words for the entire assignment. (please if you pick anything political or controversial on the opinion thought part try to keep neutral) Use the template provided
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