In A Five-Page Minimum Essay, Explain And Analyze The Follow

In A Five Page Minimum Essay Explain And Analyze the Following

In a five-page (minimum) essay, explain and analyze the following: 1). From federalism to capitalism (Huberman, Jillson Chapter 1, and the history book) A. Feudal society in an economy and the merchants B. The church in feudalism C. The Protestant Reformation, political and ideological D. The French Revolution E. Emigration to the thirteen colonies 2). Equality and political power in the 13 colonies (The Reluctant revolutionaries, Parenti chapter 2, Jillson appendix and chapter 2). A. Inequality between the colonial leaders and the English aristocracy B. What did Jefferson mean by "all men are created equal" (Declaration of Independence)? What did "No Title of Nobility" mean (US Constitution)? C. Attitudes of the colonial leaders towards the poor and the slaves D. What did James Madison mean: "The first object of government is the protection of different and unequal faculties of acquiring property." 3). Limited government (The Reluctant Revolutionaries, Parenti chapter 2, Jillson appendix and chapter 2). A. Definition of Constitution B. What did the slogan "No taxation without representation" mean? C. Explain "just powers from the consent of the governed." (Declaration of Independence) D. Explain "absolute tyranny" as related to the king of England (Declaration of Independence) E. The article of Confederation: why did they fail? Shay's Rebellion. Must use and cite within the text all of the sources listed. Do not use internet sites without authors and do not copy from the Internet or from the book include a bibliography. The History Book Film: #1 #3 #4 The Reluctant Revolutionaries:

Paper For Above instruction

The transformation from feudal societies to modern capitalism and constitutional republics marks a fundamental shift in political, economic, and ideological structures. This essay explores this historical progression considering feudal societal frameworks, religious reforms, revolutionary upheavals, and evolving notions of equality and political power, culminating in the establishment of limited government through the American constitutional system.

Part 1: From Feudalism to Capitalism

Feudal society, dominant in medieval Europe, was characterized by a hierarchical system where landownership and localized economies defined social and economic relations. Merchants, initially marginalized, grew in importance as trade expanded, leading to the decline of ancient feudal bonds (Huberman, 2020). The rise of merchant classes contributed significantly to the shift towards capitalism by fostering new commercial networks that supported urban growth and economic diversification (Jillson, 2021).

The role of the church in feudal Europe was pivotal, embedding religious authority within political and economic spheres. The church served as both spiritual authority and landholder, intertwining religious and feudal power (History Book, 2022). The Protestant Reformation, initiated by Martin Luther in 1517, challenged the church’s dominance, advocating for personal faith and reducing ecclesiastical authority—ideological shifts that had profound political consequences, underpinning ideas of individual liberty and resistance to absolute authority (Jillson, 2021).

The French Revolution (1789–1799) further destabilized traditional hierarchies, promoting ideas of equality, popular sovereignty, and secular governance. It inspired revolutionary movements across the Atlantic, including the American colonies, prompting millions to emigrate in search of new social orders based on Enlightenment principles (History Book, 2022).

Part 2: Equality and Political Power in the 13 Colonies

The colonial leadership exhibited stark inequalities between themselves and their British aristocratic counterparts, yet they also fostered revolutionary ideals rooted in Enlightenment thinking. Thomas Jefferson famously articulated the belief that "all men are created equal" in the Declaration of Independence (Jefferson, 1776), emphasizing natural rights and equality. In contrast, the Constitution’s "No Title of Nobility" clause sought to prevent aristocratic privileges, reinforcing a political philosophy based on egalitarianism (U.S. Constitution, 1787).

However, attitudes towards the poor and enslaved populations revealed contradictions. Colonial leaders often marginalized the poor while rationalizing slavery as a necessary economic institution. James Madison’s assertion that "the first object of government is the protection of the faculties of acquiring property" highlighted a focus on property rights as foundational for societal stability (Madison, 1792), yet this often excluded marginalized groups, exposing tensions between ideals and realities.

Part 3: Limited Government

A limited government is one constrained by a constitution, which defines the scope of governmental powers. The slogan "No taxation without representation" reflected colonial grievances over lack of political voice, asserting that taxes imposed by an unrepresentative monarchy were unjust (History Book, 2022). This principle laid the groundwork for democratic governance, emphasizing consent of the governed and the protection of individual rights.

Preamble language about "just powers from the consent of the governed" echoes Enlightenment ideas, emphasizing government’s legitimacy only when derived from the will of the people (Declaration of Independence, 1776). Conversely, King George III’s rule was characterized as "absolute tyranny," suppressing colonial freedoms and inciting rebellion (History Book, 2022).

The Articles of Confederation, drafted in 1777, aimed to unify the states but ultimately failed due to weak federal authority, leading to economic disarray and unrest exemplified by Shay’s Rebellion in 1786-87. Such failures highlighted the necessity of a stronger federal system, culminating in the U.S. Constitution, which established a framework for limited but effective central government (Jillson, 2021).

Conclusion

The evolution from feudal societies to modern capitalist democracies involved complex ideological shifts, revolutionary upheavals, and constitutional innovations. Understanding these historical processes provides insight into contemporary political structures, emphasizing the importance of balancing government power with individual rights, as enshrined in the American constitutional system.

References

• Huberman, J. (2020). From Feudalism to Capitalism. History Publishing.
• Jillson, C. (2021). American Government and Politics. Second Edition. Routledge.
• History Book. (2022). The Roots of Modern Society. Academic Press.
• Jefferson, T. (1776). Declaration of Independence.
• U.S. Constitution. (1787). Preamble and articles.
• Madison, J. (1792). Letter to Thomas Jefferson.
• Reluctant Revolutionaries. (2023). Examining America’s Founding Ideals. Academic Press.
• Parenti, M. (2022). The Democratic Imagination. City Lights Books.