Essay Three Rubric

1. Group Interaction:
Exactly 3/4 of our group did their jobs efficiently. I believe that I did my fair share, as did a few of my partners. That particular fraction that I mentioned met often and discussed the issues and obstacles placed before us. I don't feel that every member did all they could to keep our essay on track. Which brings me to my next point...

2. Use of Contract:
We don't, at least the punishment area, use our contract. A few of us actually uphold the guidelines that the contract has set in place, such as meeting every day and posting often. Not all the members make constant contributions, and even seem to think that they must acquire permission to actually post things... or simply use this as an excuse to not have things posted. We, as a group, severely need to revise our contract.

3. Use of Wiki:
As always, the wiki was a key ingredient to our essay's completion and credibility. EVERY group member is LOGGED ON to wiki every day during class, to say the least. Not every member posts or utilizes the information on the wiki all the time, however.

4. Individual Progress:
I feel like I have progressed in my writing abilities, which tends to be the pattern after I finish an essay. Working together with my group members put a spin on my own personal style very differently than it did during the last essay with Kara. Kara and I agreed on a writing style from the get go (arguably) but Ericka, Megan, Patrick and I didn't officially compose a general plan... I feel like we should have done that; I should have started that talk up at some point before we actually started writing... it would have made things go much smoother, I believe.

Third Essay

The views of Massachusetts, especially those advocating the ratification of the New Constitution, are widespread within the state. There was still, however, the presence of anti-federalism within Massachusetts, though it was drowned out by the mainstream federalist viewpoints. Although there were some reasons to fear and even oppose the ratification of the Constitution, the most intelligent and responsible thing to do would have been to scrap the Articles of Confederation and abide by the newly composed Constitution. Yes, the ratification of the New Constitution would cause changes to occur, but they would be for the best. The independent states would become united in a governmental sense. There were many reasons it was necessary to strive towards a strong centralized government. They were able to add amendments, and all states carried equal weight in the say of our country. Our new government would also keep itself in balance, with the introduction of three branches: judicial, legislative, and executive.

The federalist and anti-federalist parties were divided over the House of Representatives. Anti-federalists disliked the idea that all the states would carry equal weight. Larger states would lose some political power and smaller states would gain political power in order to make the states have equal weight. Some of the larger states did not like this obviously because their political power was lessened because they were a larger state. The anti-federalists were not happy about the representation for each state for a different reason. They believed that the representation for each state was too small and the term was too long. One member in the House of Representatives represented about 30,000 people from their state. Whereas, the members in the state legislatures are annually elected, are selected by small circles of people, are not moved very far from their homes, their community knows everything they do, and they frequently see the people they are representing. This allows them to represent their community accurately and the people can be assured that they are well represented and their opinions are heard. Anti-federalists were afraid that with one member representing 30,000 people that there would be no way for their opinions to represented accurately. They also feared that the only representatives elected would be members of the elite and that the middle and lower classes would be shoved aside and forgotten. The federalists just wanted people who were intelligent, powerful leaders. Leaders who would pass powerful amendments that would please all the states. This was just one of the concerns that stood in the way of the ratification of the Constitution.

The anti-federalists of Massachusetts had the concern that ratifying the Constitution would demean the original Constitution of Massachusetts. Ratifying the Federal Constitution would necessitate changes in there own constitution “which would be a violation of the compact,” (1). However the Federal Constitution is not as set in stone as the Massachusetts Constitution unlike the Massachusetts Constitution the federal Constitution can be amended. The ability to make amendments is one of the most appealing attributes of the Constitution. Under the new constitution the people now would not be confined to inflexibility of the old system. The people have been presented with the power to make amendments, the government will always be held in place by the people. The people of Massachusetts chose to embrace the new Constitution and let go of the ties they had to their own Constitution. The Federalists prevailed and the Constitution was ratified.

Though the one of the US Constitution’s biggest goals was to unify the people, many thought that it would do just the opposite and divide society’s powers even further. A large argument against the ratification of the constitution, especially within Massachusetts, was that there’d be a strong separation within the states; some thought that ratifying the constitution would further disconnect the classes. This argument was founded on the basis of those who wrote the Constitution itself. Citizens believed that because the writers of the Constitution were mostly part upper class Americans, that only the wealthy upper-class men and women would hold positions of power and control in the land. Also, those select believe that the power that they controlled would be absolute. These few are severely misinformed, because there are several checks and balances that keep the government in check, both by the people and within its structure.

Belief that those who hold power control absolutely only fuels the argument towards ratification of the Constitution itself. First off, anyone can hold a place in the government as long as they’re upstanding citizens, and the people wish them to hold that position. These constrictions ensure that only productive citizens are successful in attaining a political position.

In the end the federalists won and dominated the anti-federalist perspective. The federalist’s votes outnumbered the anti-federalist votes and the constitution was ratified. Helping lay down the foundation of the great nation of America. Even though the ratification process was far from over, Massachusetts had contributed their valuable vote. Although there was still internal strife throughout the country, Massachusetts had taken a firm stand and ratified the Constitution.

Sources:

(1)Harding, Sammuel B. "The Contest Over the Ratification of the Federal Constitution in the State of Massachusetts." Harvard Historical Studies 2 (1896): 1-196. Google Scholar. Ratification of the Constitution Massachusetts.

(2) Dougherty, Mary. The American Promise: A History of the United States. 3. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2005.

(3) McGeveran,, William A., ed. "Origin of the Constitution." World Almanac and Book of Facts (2002): 530. EBSCO. Highline, Federal Way. 15 Nov. 2007. Keyword: Constitution.

Opinions

Megan:

I believe Massachusetts was just being cautious before it ratified something that would govern them for the rest of their lives. The Constitution is very important and Massachusetts just wanted to make sure that the Constitution was how they wanted it to be before ratifying it. They did end up ratifying the Constitution in the end but they were not the same as the other states.

Ericka:

Massachusetts was discerning about the ratification of the constitution. They didn’t runaround ratifying things willy nilly like the first states to ratify the constitution. Like a toad Massachusetts looked before it jumped, the other states were little frogs, they didn’t look before they jumped. After thorough examination and much debate Massachusetts ended up leaping into the glorious world of ratifying the constitution. I believe that the Massachusetts way was the best way to approach the ratifying of the Constitution. I think we all should be more like Massachusetts; they were champs at making good life choices. They analyzed the situation, strove to make it better, and then ratified the constitution like good little Americans should.

Tyler:

Since the Constitution was ratified in the end, and Massachusetts was a federalist state, I agree with their decisions and opinions. At the time, a strong centralized government was necessary. Being independent states with separate governments would not help them expand either land or control. They needed to have a stronger system that would allow them to have individual voices. Sort of like an umbrella that reached over all the states entirely was, and still is, necessary. Massachusetts was internally conflicted about the ratification of the New Constitution and was the first state to give the cause of ratifying the document trouble. Even their concerns were understandable; they did break from a centralized government, parliament, and they feared stepping back into those times. Overall, their federalist views overwhelmed their anti-federalist thoughts, and I agree wholeheartedly.

Patrick:

I stand on the Federalist side of the fight. The reason I agree with the constitution is because I agree that since all of the colonies had so much in common it would be a horrible idea to not all cooperate and function under the same government. I think that it would have been a bad idea for all of the states to run individually and have their own government for the simple fact that the colonies can all benefit from each other tremendously. It would be better because they can all use the ports and stand together in disagreements with other entities such as England.

Review on Second Essay.

General Progress-GP
Meshing of Styles-MOS
My Grade-MG
Partner's Grade-PG
Creative Conflict-CC

(GP)I think that my portion of the new essay got the point across better than the last one, and I didn't feel rushed. However, I should have spent more time making sure my paper stayed in orbit around the thesis, because it strayed a bit. It kept the same argument throughout, pro-patriotism, but it jumped around a little with the 'why' part. (MG)Because of this, I don't really deserve a good grade on the thesis portion, which would lead to a LP on my part. (PG)Kara did a much better job with her section; I believe she deserves a good grade, P+ esque.


(MOS)We, Kara and I, didn't have problems working together. Our styles, being very fluid, or non-restricting, let ideas for essay type flourish. (CC)We did, however, experience a few conflicts towards the beginning, due to this component; the style or story behind our essay had to be negotiated, and ended up a mixture of both of our ideas. I believe we dealt with it well, and the situation definitely ended up a win-win for both parties.

This essay was a good experience; I still feel, however, that I could've done better. Content was decent, the story, I thought, was well put and organized in an exciting new fashion (the ending, at least) and the five letters really seem to fit together.

Loyalty and Freedom: Kara Taylor and Tyler Keiser

Link to Laurence Chatterton (my character):

pensandswords08.blogspot.com

Letter One-July 20, 1769

1.Dear Mother,

These soldiers have reached my last nerve. I am consumed by such an emotional confusion; on the first hand, I loathe my place under King George and the Parliament's thumb, but you continue attempting to persuade me that I owe them my rights and liberties.2. To you, I am to aim to be nothing more than a puppet for your 'glorious' majesty to string along in life. These soldiers, mother, are noisy echoes of a loyalist's lost hope. This hope, seemingly lost in you as well, can be retrieved from the well you've tossed it so carelessly into.

Like you, many of the colonists voice their loyalty to the King. Widespread hope in the King and Parliament, though loyal to England, is truthfully disloyal to the colonial Americans' rights and liberties. Such Americans, whose rights are attacked and hindered by these same two components, turn a blind eye to the truth. It can only be right to protect your liberties, both with pen and sword. Mother, you must think before you set your loyalties; the King has not your best interests in mind, thus neither do you.

Signed,

Laurence

---

1. The American Promise Volume A:To 1800
Families Divide Over the Revolution, pg 230-32

2. Is Patriotism a Mistake? , George Kateb
Refer to http://historyetc.wetpaint.com/page/Research

Letter Three-March 6, 1770

1.Dearest Mother,

I have delayed response for good reason; though I believe not your reasoning is correct on the issue of your loyalism to the King's Law, I still respect you. It would be an awful time in life to lash out at you, most honorable mother.

I have taken your words as close to my heart as possible, but I cannot logically allow them to prosper. Can you not see what has been happening? Of course recent news just outside my home will reach you before this letter does reach your hands, but I will continue as if you stand in ignorance; blood has been shed here in Boston. Just this January a boy was shot dead for literally no reason at all. Shot in cold blood by one of your 'trusted' King's officials. I stood at his funeral in silence, yet boiling with white hot Rage. Rage, mother!

This unfiltered anger took hold of my lungs, swelled within my heart; my blood ran blistering hot through my veins. An innocent boy! This behavior has gone unnoticed by Your Royal Majesty and his party of Good men. We followed along, my Brothers and Sons, grinding our teeth. We went along with this silent Fury, day to day; nothing more than fist fights had ensued upon the Reds until yesterday evening when a riot broke out. Five men shot down, just as many more wounded, but numbers matter not. We’ve been to far too many funerals for one man to take, yet the Cause stands stronger than ever. If these words are not enough to assuage you, words from your beloved Son, than truthfully nothing short of Divine persuasion will fall on your ears (and believe me, He shall have my side.)

Your Son,

Laurence

---

1. The American Promise Volume A:To 1800
Families Divide Over the Revolution, pg 230-32

Letter Five-April 21st, 1775

1.To one Ms. Chatterton:

To prolong this information would do more damage than it would to tell you now; This morning, at 0200 hours, your son passed away. He was part of the Bostonian militia attack against the British. His death was brought on by splintered wood shot through his shoulder. Our medic, however inexperienced she was, did her best given the situation; there were many more wounded, most with a much less tragic.

He was a brave Soldier and a remarkable man.

The following are a few diary entries that were found on his person. They have been damaged in battle, but our son seemed to have meant these be sent to you upon his returning to Boston. I hope they hold some significance to you.

---

---

General R. Jefferson

---

April 18, 1775

... and as we walked onwards, towards our destination, the Reds yelled from over the hill. They spoke as if they had Power to speak, "Put down your weapons" and such. We continued in our march, until one of my Brothers opened fire. In all, eight of my Friends have passed and a handful wounded, still. We cannot be silenced, mother. I have not been wounded, and shall continue in full strength towards our colonial goal. Freedom!

---

April 19, 1775

...for I have been impaled! My left arm shudders in pain, (thankfully my writing hand fails me not) and the medic has been attempting to remove the splinters of wood from my shoulder and arm. She says that I need rest, that I should sleep now...

April 20, 1775

I awoke this morning in an unworldly pain. Shot through my arm, the sun's fire. I can't think about anything but my Brothers, my Friends, and my Mother. She must know that though I went against her words of advice I was fighting for her. For her Freedom, her Rights, her Liberties. Though she was too blind to see them taken for granted, I played her eyes. Though too distracted to hear the hiss behind her king's words, I played her ears. I hope she sees that I did this for her. The doctor says that I don't have much energy, and in order to get better, I must rest. Mother, take these words not for granted: our beliefs have differed, but my love for you has not left me. Thank you for all you have done for me.

2.-Laurence

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1. George Washington and Benedict Arnold: A Tale of Two Patriots, Alan Cate
Refer to http://historyetc.wetpaint.com/page/Research

2. The American Promise Volume A:To 1800
Families Divide Over the Revolution, pg 230-32

College 100

Tyler


1.
Public College: Evergreen
Evergreen seems like a good choice for me, because it has a well acclaimed arts program, which is something that interests me. Also, the students are mostly around my age group, between seventeen and twenty four. Evergreen is also an affordable school, in comparison to larger colleges, or universities.

Private College: Hope University
Hope University is a campus of about three thousand students. It is expensive to go to, and students usually have a high gpa to go there, a three point or higher. I don’t think I’ll have a chance to get in. Truthfully, Hope University doesn’t interest me much. Students are very involved in the campus, but that’s obvious, seeing as it’s a private college and there are so few people there.

Rural College: University of Maine
University of Maine has a good arts program, which I specifically asked about. There are numerous art based activities near and on the campus around the year. Class sizes are a bit bigger than I would like, but it seems like it could still be a good place to go. It would be a good place to get involved in the community through art, but I don’t know if it’s really what I’m looking for. I intend to contact the college for more information on specific topics, such as specific classes, but until then, this is a bit of an on the fence place for me.

Traditional Large University:

Small Alternative College:

2.
I am thinking of majoring in computer science. MIT, Florida Institute of Technology, as well as the Illinois Institute of Technology. I feel like these schools would offer me much more in getting my major in Computer Science. I’m not completely sure if this is what I want to do, but my interest in math applies directly to my love of computers, and a better understanding of computers would lead me to getting jobs that deal greatly with computers.
MIT made the best impression on me, because the official seemed to know more about his campus than the others. Also, Massachusetts Institute of Technology is more well renowned as a technical college than others. If I could make it into MIT, it would definitely be my number one choice.

3.
Attend and describe one of the workshops:
College Admission Trends

This workshop was about the current trends in college admissions, both as admissions officers, and students alike. The speaker’s name was Jess Ross, and she was an admissions official at UW. She talked about how wholistic reviews were becoming more common in colleges around the Nation. Most believe that the numbers of applications have been going down, but they have been going up, which started up a vicious cycle between the two components. Colleges are looking less at GPA and test scores, and more at the person applying. This applies to only about half of the colleges around the world, but is becoming more and more of a prevalent idea.

4.

Personal Evaluation of Experience: (Useful info, unanswered questions, next phase of education and career planning)

Word Count- Laurence Chatterton

July 20- 187 words
March 6- 243 words
April 21- 403 words

Total- 833 words

Letter One, to mother From Son

Dear Mother,

These soldiers are gnawing at my last nerves. I am consumed by this confusion; on the first hand, I loathe my place under King George and the Parliament's thumb, but you continue attempting to persuade me that I owe them my rights and liberties. To you, I am to aim to be nothing more than a puppet for your 'glorious' majesty to string along in life. These soldiers, mother, are noisy echoes of a loyalist's lost hope. This hope, seemingly lost in you as well, can be retrieved from the well you've tossed it so carelessly into.

Like you, many of the colonists voice their loyalty to the King. This widespread hope in the King and Parliament, though loyal to England, is unloyal to the colonial Americans. Such Americans, whose rights are attacked and hindered by these same two components, turn a blind eye to the truth. It can only be right to protect your liberties, both with pen and sword. Mother, you must think before you set your loyalties; the King has not your best interests in mind, thus neither do you.

Signed,

Laurence

(187 words)