She uses a wide variety of resources, from the Constitution itself, (printed in the book, along with the Articles of Confederation and biographies of the delegates), personal records and diaries of the people in attendance at the Convention, and a host of other primary and secondary documents relating to the Convention.
In addition, she has a deep knowledge of the history, language, and appearances of the times, which is how she can successfully transport the reader so they feel as if they are really there as the Constitution is being drafted. Her research and her writing combine to make the book entertaining as well as enlightening. It truly gave a picture of that moment in history, how the fledgling country was struggling to govern itself, the issues the delegates themselves faced, and how they worked together to create a workable, even "brilliant" solution to crisis and lack of organization in the country. The author notes that early in the convention process, "There was consensus on only one thing: A new and more effective central government was essential."
As with any strong and distinct personalities, there were disagreements, hurt feelings, and misunderstandings. However, the delegates managed to create a viable document anyway, which is another testament to their dedication and strong sense of country.
The author organizes the book chronologically, from the time during and after the Revolutionary War until the...
Berkin clearly writes a book that covers the details of the Constitutional Convention, how deals were struck, what compromises were put together and why. Another of the leading characters in Philadelphia during the convention -- John Adams -- is briefly introduced by Berkin as "feisty" and "outspoken" (p. 11); Adams observed "his nation's circumstances with more than his usual pessimism" (p. 12), Berkin writes. Adams is mentioned again in several
American Revolution History has shown that the form of government which emerged out of the American Revolution was by no means perfect, but to recognize this does not diminish the importance of what was achieved as a result of the Constitutional Convention. Instead, it allows one to appreciate the disruptive and groundbreaking nature of the compromise government established by the various delegates while realizing how much it represents a continuity with
Alexander Hamilton carried on an affair with the wife of "a notorious political schemer," Maria Reynolds. Andrew Jackson married Rachel Jackson before her divorce from Lewis Robards was finalized and therefore was accused of marrying a married woman. Jackson's opponent in 1828, John Quincy Adams, was in turn accused of "corrupt bargaining" during his term. Jackson also championed Margaret O'Neill Timberlake, who married his secretary of war, John Eaton.
" It is course legitimate editorial decision-making to spend less time on one aspect than another writer might invest on that issue; but this points out the way in which Berkin makes her history more like journalism, bringing in as many quotes from a diverse set of speakers whenever she can. It was interesting to know that Jefferson was dead set against the proceedings going private. Middlekauff (630) writes that by
EDSE 600: History and Philosophy of Education / / 3.0 credits The class entitled, History and Philosophy of Education, focused on the origin of education and the "philosophical influences of modern educational theory and practice. Study of: philosophical developments in the Renaissance, Reformation, and revolutionary periods; social, cultural and ideological forces which have shaped educational policies in the United States; current debates on meeting the wide range of educational and social-emotional
Negotiation Skills A High Impact Negotiations Model: An Answer to the Limitations of the Fisher, Ury Model of Principled Negotiations This study aims to discover the ways in which blocked negotiations can be overcome by testing the Fisher, Ury model of principled negotiation against one of the researcher's own devising, crafted after studying thousands of negotiation trainees from over 100 multinational corporations on 5 continents. It attempts to discern universal applications of
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