The Constitution in American Political Development - Discussion questions for

September 22 (Monday): America's First Political Cycle

• READ:    Ronald Formisano, "State Development in the Early Republic,"
                      in Shafer and Badger, Contesting Democracy, pp. 7-35
                  Jefferson's First Inaugural Address
                  Stephen Skowronek, The Politics Presidents Make, pp. 59-127
                                                        (Note correction in Skowronek assignment)     

E. According to Formisano, who were the Federalists?  What were their political strengths? Why did they fail politically? Would we have been better off if the Federalists had survived?

D.  How was Jefferson "making politics" in his first inaugural address? How does he use the Constitution in this inaugural address? How does he view parties? How does he conceive of the presidency?

C. What did Jefferson do to change Repubilcanism?  Would we have been better off if he had failed?

B. How did James Monroe "articulate" Jefferson's political ideas?  Did he succeed?  Is success good or bad?

A. Could John Quincy Adams have done a better job as President?  How? Who cares?