Thesis Of The Thirteen American Argument By Howard Fineman
A Debating Democracy America has been built on the principle that everyone has a voice and that everyone should use it, this leads to an innumerable amount of arguments, some that still persist. In The Thirteen American Arguments by award-winning writer, NBC Analyst, and American journalist, Howard Fineman, the author outlines what he believes are the thirteen most fundamentals arguments in U.S history. These thirteen arguments as well the numerous others are the building blocks of democracy and debate in our country. One of the ideals that makes this country unique, is the value of free speech. Everyone has the freedom to make their voice heard to the rest of the country. Fineman states, “We are the Arguing Country, …show more content…
Fineman claims, “The Thirteen American Arguments bitterly divide us, but they also define, inspire, and ultimately unite us by bestowing legitimacy on hard-fought deals. They are the force that make us whole and who we are,” (4). In the quote Fineman makes it clear that the arguments divide the country, it makes people pick sides. But that divide also creates and reserves the democracy this country has worked so hard to progress. The issues that divide the country, abortion rights and gun controls, although seem unsolvable are what push America together and towards a better …show more content…
Fineman declares, “We are not a country of rigid ideologies, but of real, permanent conflicts,” (14). Fineman believes that America and its citizens do not have mindsets and ideals that are set in stone but those that are constantly flowing and changing. This is what cause so many arguments and clashes over certain topics. The ever-changing opinions of American citizens is what reenergizes our democracy and allows it to continue
Analysis Of Speech Overview By Smolla
391 Words | 2 PagesSmolla writes about the First Amendment in his essay, "Speech Overview". He discusses what freedom of speech is, why Americans hold the First Amendment in such high regard, and how it can be conflicting to many American's "social instincts". The main idea that Smolla is arguing is that Americans embrace freedom of speech and individuality, even though it may cause conflict. He recognizes that some limitations must exist, but the freedom to express our thoughts is the American way. Smolla points out that many controversial items are approved due to the first amendment, even though they conflict with patriotism.
Shay's Rebellion Dbq Essay
1150 Words | 5 PagesHe argued against the ratification of the United States Constitution as it would derange the distribution of power between the federal and state governments. Throughout the entirety of the essay, he discussed how “a country of such immense extent” could not operate as a single government. A free republic governing over the vast area would fail to “attend to the various concerns and wants of its different parts," while the people fail to come together to discuss, conceive and decide on their wills. The extent of the United States prevents satisfaction to the citizens’ wills, further complicating the duties of the representatives. Substantially, the number of citizens would increase over time, challenging representatives to “declare the sentiments of the people” without arousing conflicts.
Opposing Views Of President Roosevelt And Senator Smith
874 Words | 4 PagesPresident Roosevelt and Senator Smith believed that it is necessary to strictly define Americanism to create only one nation, one culture with a common language, ideas, and standard of living. President Roosevelt beloved that as one nation we can fight other in war. Senator Smith believed in an Americanized nation to maintain American resources. However, both authors differed in the way foreigners should be treated. Senator Smith wants to “shut the door “and stop other immigrants to come in because he believed that the American population is sufficient enough to keep a unique American culture different from other nations.
Compare And Contrast Political Compromise Between 1850 And 1860
773 Words | 4 PagesIn the early 1800’s, and before, the United States prided itself on its ability to discuss political issues and express opinions without violence. However, around the 1850’s and 1860’s, emotions were escalating, and political compromise was thrown out the window. This was because the major political debate at the time was slavery, an issue that throughout America’s entire history was shown to create very strong opinions. Another reason for this change is that northerners and southerners were unwilling to communicate with each other in any meaningful way. Slavery was an issue for the United States since it before it even became a country, and if the Three Fifths Compromise had not been made, America may never have become independent.
Federalism Dbq
425 Words | 2 PagesAround this era of the late 1700’s, the citizens of the newly independent nation of “America” were in the process of ratifying their government from the Articles of Confederation to the current Constitution which allowed for a democratic republic. The people in support of this ratification were the “Federalist” whom often used pamphlet writings known as the “Federalist Papers” to persuade and inform the public of their ideas and Constitution ratification. The most influential paper among the 85, is the Federalist paper #10 that disproves the Antifederalists’ argument that a republic of any kind would fall from the pressure of multiple divisive opinions among its citizens. Given the nature of humans by God, creating factions based on similar
The Pros And Cons Of Alexander Jefferson And Thomas Jefferson
1803 Words | 8 PagesRough Draft Politicians for two hundred years have invoked the Founding Fathers to defend their beliefs. It is understandable that as a society we place figures like Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson on a pedestal, as leaders of American independence they merit that recognition. Implying though, that the Founding Fathers ideas were in unanimity with each other would be a simple and mistaken assumption. These men, while intellectual giants in their own right, found little common ground on public, economic, and social policy. Heated debates, slander, and disagreement are as defining of the construction of the country as democratic elections.
Gettysburg Address Dbq
1672 Words | 7 PagesThe Civil War and the Gettysburg Address are two of the most major events in American history regarding slavery/racism which are constantly used as a reference to look back at how the country has developed and changed since then. The Civil War and the Gettysburg Address represent an old America with flaws, and although we have undoubtedly changed since then, many people have differing beliefs on how we have changed (either for the better or for the worse). For example, the excerpt by Robert Hicks, from Why the Civil War Still Matters, reflects on America's past attitudes in the War and the Gettysburg Address to emphasize how we have become a more accepting, united, and multiethnic country. On the other hand, the excerpt by Charles M. Blow,
Anna Quindlen A Quilt Of A Country Analysis
235 Words | 1 PagesIn the article, “A Quilt of a Country,” Anna Quindlen makes solid points for both arguments, and uses a good chunk of evidence for both sides, too. I agree with her idea that America is a unified whole, but at other times is on the verge of collapse. America is a very diverse place, and everyone has different opinions; That’s what makes America great! In America, our country is built on opinions, ideas, decisions, etc… Some argue that this is problematic, but that’s a democracy.
Analysis Of Fdr's Four Freedoms
648 Words | 3 PagesFour Freedoms In 1941 President Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivered a profound speech titled “Four Freedoms” during the tragic times of WWII. This speech united the American people and introduced a sense of worthiness and value in being from the United States of America. It was not until after Norman Rockwell’s paintings, inspired by the Four Freedoms, were created that the “rhetorical genius” (Rockwell’s four freedoms) of Roosevelt’s words were truly recognized. Citizens understood their civic duty to their country and completely changed everything from their normal daily lives to assist in the strengthening of democracy so they could keep their freedom.
Larry Flynt Case Study
2495 Words | 10 PagesIntroduction The People v. Larry Flynt ‘The People v. Larry Flynt’ is a docudrama that chronicles the life and exploits of Larry Flynt and his pornographic publication, ‘Hustler.’ Hustler originally began as a newsletter to attract patrons to Flynt’s Hustler Go-Go club with nude photos of the women who worked there. This newsletter evolves into Hustler Magazine, which over time gains a widespread distribution after acquiring and publishing nude photos of Jackie Kennedy Onassis, former First Lady. Flynt is sued for pandering obscenity and engaging in organised crime.
The Constitution: Betrayal Of The American Revolution
1106 Words | 5 PagesThe Constitution—the foundation of the American government—has been quintessential for the lives of the American people for over 200 years. Without this document America today would not have basic human rights, such as those stated in the Bill of Rights, which includes freedom of speech and religion. To some, the Constitution was an embodiment of the American Revolution, yet others believe that it was a betrayal of the Revolution. I personally believe that the Constitution did betray the Revolution because it did not live up to the ideals of the Revolution, and the views of the Anti-Federalists most closely embodied the “Spirit of ‘76.” During the midst of the American Revolution, authors and politicians of important documents, pamphlets, and slogans spread the basis for Revolutionary ideals and defined what is known as the “Spirit of ‘76”.
Alexander Hamilton Importance Of Unity
592 Words | 3 PagesIn this edition of the Federalist papers, Alexander Hamilton stresses over and over again the importance of unity between the states. Without unity, it seems as though our country will cease to exist as we know it. While Hamilton does not come right out and state, we need unity, he does make his point very clear. In using the Constitution as the perfect example of what the United States needed at the time, Hamilton manages to bring everything back to one central theme. We cannot have unity between the states if we do not introduce the Constitution.
Henry David Thoreau's Civil Disobedience
1371 Words | 6 PagesIndividuals lay the foundation of America. The Founding Fathers of this unique nation broke their allegiance with Great Britain to create an improved governing body. They desired an individual-centered authority as opposed to Britain’s monarchy, which ruled with tyranny. These Founding Fathers experienced a neglectful democratic monarchy that cared little about the ethical treatment of its people. The domineering actions of Britain challenged these historic individuals to form a new cultural identity.
Essay On Founding Fathers
959 Words | 4 PagesIntroduction The stories of the founding of the United States is legendary in many regards. History places it that America was found by a group of farmers who had local political experience. This group came together in one accord and in arms to go against the monarch and tyrant to become a self-governed state. In the words of these men, “all men are created equal,” a phrase that natural elicited men and women to risk their lives for freedom .
Importance Of Freedom Of Expression In Malaysia
1026 Words | 5 PagesAs human beings, we are all born with an entitlement of freedom of speech or synonymously known as freedom of expression as it is a basic human right. It is stated in the Federal Constitution and it is important for us human beings to protect our rights to freedom of speech and expression as it is the backbone for a democratic society. Having the right to express oneself freely without any restrictions is an essential part of what it means to be a free human being. Article 10 in the Federal Constitution states that; (a) every citizen has the right to freedom of speech and expression; (b) all citizens have the right to assemble peaceably and without arms; (c) all citizens have the right to form associations.
More about Thesis Of The Thirteen American Argument By Howard Fineman
Analysis Of Speech Overview By Smolla
391 Words | 2 PagesShay's Rebellion Dbq Essay
1150 Words | 5 PagesOpposing Views Of President Roosevelt And Senator Smith
874 Words | 4 PagesCompare And Contrast Political Compromise Between 1850 And 1860
773 Words | 4 PagesFederalism Dbq
425 Words | 2 PagesThe Pros And Cons Of Alexander Jefferson And Thomas Jefferson
1803 Words | 8 PagesGettysburg Address Dbq
1672 Words | 7 PagesAnna Quindlen A Quilt Of A Country Analysis
235 Words | 1 PagesAnalysis Of Fdr's Four Freedoms
648 Words | 3 PagesLarry Flynt Case Study
2495 Words | 10 PagesThe Constitution: Betrayal Of The American Revolution
1106 Words | 5 PagesAlexander Hamilton Importance Of Unity
592 Words | 3 PagesHenry David Thoreau's Civil Disobedience
1371 Words | 6 PagesEssay On Founding Fathers
959 Words | 4 PagesImportance Of Freedom Of Expression In Malaysia
1026 Words | 5 Pages