DBQ (document based question):
a farmer speaks for the constitution
On the Chapters 7 and 8 Test you will answer questions using this document that is linked below.
Things to think about
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The following passage is from a speech made my Jonathon Smith in 1788 at the Massachusetts Ratification Convention in 1788. I have lived in a part of the country where I have known the worth of good government by the want [lack] of it. There was a black cloud that rose in the east last winter and spread over the west. I mean, sir, in the county of Bristol; the cloud rose there and burst upon us, and produced a dreadful effect. It brought on a state of anarchy, and that leads to tyranny. I say it brought anarchy [because] people that used to live peaceably and were before good neighbours, got distracted and took up arms against government. I am a going, Mr President, to show you, my brother farmers, what were the effects of anarchy that you may see the reasons why I wish for good government. Now, Mr. President, when I saw this Constitution, I found that it was a cure for these disorders. It was just such a thing as we wanted. I got a copy of it and read it over and over I had been a member of the Convention to form our own state Constitution, and had learnt something of the checks and balances of power, and I found them all here. I did not go to any lawyer to ask his opinion, we have no lawyer in our town, and we do well enough without. I formed my own opinion, and was pleased with this Constitution. - See more at: http://alphahistory.com/americanrevolution/a-massachusetts-farmer-speaks-for-the-constitution-1787/#sthash.w6mbJFNg.dpuf |