American history continued

We run through the webquest.

Based on the homework from last time, the webquest and the cartoon (and from external sources) create a timeline of the major events in US history.

Watch The Constitution explained here.

Then, answer the questions below:

1. Why did the Framers divide government power in the Constitution? 

2. What preceded the constitution we know today? Include a minimum of three reasons why a new Constitution was necessary. (ca 3:05)

3. What was "the overarching concern" of most of the delegats writing the Constitution? (ca 5:40)  

4. Why did small states rally behind the New Jersey plan? What did they end with?

5. Explain the key principles of federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balance. 

6. "Too much democracy", why did that scare the authors of the Constitution?

7. What did the anti-federalists fear? Are their thoughts still discussed to this day?

8. How does the division of powers in the Constitution help or hinder "a more perfect union" today?

Curious for more? The text of the Constitution here.

Wealth inequality in the US

How bad is it really? Video on wealth inequality here.

What are American values?

Go to this excellent book 1. American Identity | Being American. Identity, politics and contemporary society (systime.dk). 

Based on the book, explain the following values:

Value Explanation of that value (use your own words!)

Being an immigrant The immigrants had an indisputably positive view on the future, a willingness and openness to change, and an urge to leave everything behind to pursue prosperity and happiness in other places. In the new country, heritage was not the decisive factor of one’s economic success. On the contrary it was one’s abilities and attitude towards hard work. 

Being a frontier man The frontier experience - where the discovery of new territories leads to new opportunities and expands the borders of land under settlement. The frontier lives on in most Americans – in the sense of personal and professional advancement, always striving for something better and believing that new territories are ahead, bringing new opportunities for the individual. 

Having rights Each individual in America has the right to live life the way he or she pleases. Contrary to many other societies, the focus is not on society and what society should provide for its people, but on the individual and what the individual can contribute to society. Today, the debate also centers on equal rights between American citizens. 

Having values Three overall topics: 1. Autonomy, 2. Mobility, 3. Idealism. It is the belief in the future and in themselves that shapes Americans and continues to attract immigrants. 

Being different according to region

American values differ to some extent according to where you live. Northeast: Uninhibited, temperamental . Mid-Atlantic: Relaxed, creative people, care about health, global outlook . South: Importance of family, traditional life style, hospitality, friendliness, relaxed attitude, not too concerned about health . Midwest: Traditional values, friendly, honest and straight-forward people . Southwest: Least European influence, but influenced by native American culture. Relaxed and creative people, not particularly extrovert . West: Least traditional, tolerant of change, healthy, educated, relaxed, creative.

Being optimistic The American identity is characterized by an unwaveringly optimistic view of the future where anything can be achieved if you set your heart on it. To realize one’s dream one has to work hard and tenaciously and at the same time be optimistic.  

Being afraid The more modern American identity also contains a certain wariness or even distrust in the changes in society.  The Great Depression in the 1930s is one of the events that came as a ‘reality check’ for many Americans. Another ‘reality check’ occurred in relation to wars of the 20th century. The Korean War, the Vietnam War and other American interventions between 1950 and 1975 changed the Americans’ view on life. The earlier euphoric positivism and idealism were profoundly affected by the casualties and horrors of war. In more recent times, the threat of terror has made Americans more frightened. The unpredictability of society has planted a degree of distrust in many Americans. 

• Now, try to sum up what the new American identity is, according to the book.

New American Identity is... 

• Next, do you own research (valid sources only, of course 😊) on Danish values. Based on these values, how would you say that Danish and American values compare? Be prepared to present them in class.

The Election aftermath

Look at preliminary voting data and analyze demographic voting patterns. Answer the following questions:

• What voting trends can be observed in different regions of the country?

• How might factors like geography, age, race, and socioeconomic status influence voting behaviors?

• What similarities or changes do they notice compared to previous elections?

Next, reflect on the election process and any reactions you have to the events of the election day. Answer the following questions:

• How do you feel about the election process?

• What concerns, if any, do you have about the impact of this election on you future and/or community?

• What are some strengths and weaknesses you see in the current voting system?