Short Answer Essays Practice
Directions: Work with a partner to discuss and then answer the short answer questions below. You only need to write answers as a team. Be prepared to justify your answers.
Question #1: Use the two quotes below to answer parts A, B, and C. Write your answer on the back of this page.
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
“. . . Although, among the enumerated powers ofgovernment, we do not find the word “bank” or“incorporation,” we find the great powers to layand collect taxes; to borrow money; to regulatecommerce; to declare and conduct a war; and toraise and support armies and navies . . . But itmay with great reason be contended, that agovernment, entrusted with such amplepowers . . . must also be entrusted with amplemeans for their execution. The power being given,it is the interest of the nation to facilitate itsexecution. . . .”
—Chief Justice John Marshall
By Abraham Lincoln
We believe … in obedience to, and respect for the judicial department of government. We think its decisions on Constitutional questions, when fully settled, should control, not only the particular cases decided, but the general policy of the country, subject to be disturbed only by amendments of the Constitution as provided in that instrument itself. More than this would be revolution. But we think the Dred Scott decision is erroneous. -Speech on the Dred Scott decision *
*(Supreme Court case which declared slaves were not citizens, but property, and that the federal government could NOT take property away without “due process” according to the 5th amendment)
a.Briefly explain ONE major similarity between Marshall’s and Lincoln’s interpretations.
b.Briefly explain how someone supporting Marshall’s interpretation of federal power could use one piece of evidence from the period between 1800-1820 not directly mentioned in the excerpt.
c.Briefly explain how someone challenging Marshall’s interpretation of federal power could use one piece of evidence from the period between 1800-1820 not directly mentioned in the excerpt.
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Prompt #2: Based on what you’ve learned about Andrew Jackson, work with your partner to come up with one thesis statement about the “Jacksonian Era”. Write your thesis in the space below: