…the Bigger Issues of Life?
Below are some questions and/or topics to ponder and discuss with each other in an HONORABLE AND RESPECTFUL WAY. The topic right now is:
A Constitutional Convention: Discussion of our Bill of Rights, and Balancing Rights with Responsibilities…
We’ve been learning about our Constitution, now focusing on The Bill of Rights (see the document below for a list of them). Based on what we’ve learned and what you know, which Amendment(s) do you feel are the most important and why? What happens when people are irresponsible with these rights? Do bad things ever happen as a result of one or more of these rights? What would happen if we didn’t have the right(s) at all? Why do you think these Amendments were written first and foremost by the Founding Fathers? How is being a responsible American citizen like balancing on a seesaw (think rights v. responsibilities)? Please enjoy a spirited yet respectful discussion about these important ideas…
Road to Revolution: Patriots, Tories and Fence Sitters…
We’ve been learning all about the crucial events leading up to the American Revolution. We’ve seen the French & Indian War and Proclamation of 1763; the Sugar Act, Stamp Act, and Townshend Acts; we’ve seen boycotts and non-importation agreements, Taxation Without Representation, and tarring & feathering. We’ve seen the formation of committees of correspondence and the Sons & Daughters of Liberty; we’ve seen “massacres” and the Dumping of the Tea; we’ve seen Intolerable Acts and an Olive Branch Petition. Now the Shot Has Been Heard Round the World…
Please argue as many points as you can both for and against Revolution. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? How are both sides right and wrong? Could anything have been done differently that would have avoided war? Was war inevitable, or should we have stayed a British colony?
At a later date, you will be portraying a historical character and debating these issues from their perspectives, but for now, I want to know what YOU think…
The Watson's Winners Blog 
6/15/18
Dear Watson Winners I want to start off by saying which of the amendments are the most Important and why. FIrst off the most Important amendments is the 1st amendment is the most important out of them all all because it is saying that we all have the right to state our opinion and say what we want to say. For example I have freedom to state my opinion about Donald Trump and other presidents. The first amendment is “ Freedom of religion, speech, the press and petition of government.” WIch means we have the freedom to be a different religion, belive different things, and not be forced to belive this and not have a voice. That is why I feel that the first amendment is the most Important amendment.
~ Caitlin Kelly
I want to talk about the 2nd amendment. The right to bear arms is one of the most fragile amendments there is. First of all, I think that if someone has a criminal record, they should lose the right to own a gun.
People do make mistakes, however, a criminal with a gun is endangering the safety of the people around them.
Hello Watson winners I will start off by talking about which Amendments are the most important and the cons about some of them. The Seventh Amendment is very important it states that he or she does not get tried more than once for the same crime unless the trial was a mistrial. A con to this is that someone guilty can go free, a pro to this is that someone that is innocent might not go to jail because of retrile. Another right is the Third Amendment that says that soldiers can not come into your house at peace time. Another amendment is the 13th Amendment which is to abolish or take away slavery. Also the 15th Amendment the right to vote regardless of race. Also 19th Amendment right for a woman to vote. 22th Amendment the term limit for presidents, and many more!
A right that is bad when people are irresponsible with rights are the second Amendment (The right to bear arms/own guns) this is bad when people are irresponsible because people might hurt someone with a gun and I think that they should make guns illegal or make better background checks.
A right that has a cons is the Seventh Amendment and it says that there is no double jeopardy, the cons is that someone that is guilty can go free and will never go to jail for that same crime.
If we didn’t have a lot of these rights then our country would not be free or fair. Some rights that we couldn’t without are the Third Amendment and the Seventh Amendment, the Third Amendment says that soldiers can not come into someone’s property at peace time, and the Seventh Amendment is there is no double jeopardy.
These are all the thoughts I have about the bill of rights.
Juicy Avocado
I enjoyed your response, it made a lot of sense. The first amendment is definitely an important one. I definitely agree with your thoughts about the 2nd Amendment, it’s not the Amendment but the enforcement.
After learning about the Bill of Rights, I feel as though the first and ninth amendment are the most important. The first amendment states that people are able to have the freedom of religion, speech, the press, and petition of government. In my opinion, this amendment is important because it protects the basic freedoms of being an American. Speaking about religion, Americans are allowed to follow any religion they believe in, whether it be attending a church, synagogue, etc. In regards to speech, Americans are allowed to say what we feel or think without being criticized. Without this amendment, we would be forced to keep all our thoughts to ourselves. The ninth amendment states that you are allowed to have rights that are not stated in the bill of rights. In my opinion, this amendment is important because it states that you have any right that is not in the ten amendments. Without this law, you could only have the rights in the first ten amendments. This law is covering any right that was not thought of or was addressed by the founding fathers.
I think when these rights are used irresponsibly there can and will be negative repercussions. For example, the recent school shootings are a prime example of the second amendment being used irresponsibly. People are purchasing firearms with or without a permit and using them to harm other Americans. Another example of an amendment being used irresponsibly, is when people abuse freedom of speech. You are allowed to say what you´re thinking about but these words can be used irresponsibly by hurting someone else’s feelings. Racism and bullying are 2 examples of where the first amendment is being used irresponsibly.
I think these amendments were written so that the government wouldn’t be the sole force of power. The Bill of Rights protect the basic liberties of an American. WIthout the Bill Of Rights the government would be the only power that could control the law. Without the Bill Of Rights Americans would not be able to speak or think freely. When creating the Bill Of Rights, the founding fathers were thinking of the people versus the government.
As an American, balancing responsibilities and rights is a lot like a seesaw. For example, the second amendment states that Americans have the right to bear arms. It is our responsibility to understand the boundaries of this right. Although the right states we are allowed to bear arms, that doesn’t mean we are allowed to use a weapon to perform irresponsible acts. Like the second amendment, the first amendment grants people the freedom of speech. Just because we can speak freely doesn’t mean we are allowed to bully or harm people’s feelings by disobeying this law. If you use this law correctly it can be used to fix people’s mistakes or even make someone feel better about themselves.
Many of the colonies amendments were based off of what the patriots disliked about the british laws. Amendment one was Freedom of religion, speech, press and petition of government. This was evolved from the STRONGLY disliked british “law” stating that the colonists have no voice in Parliament and can only be one religion or it will be “Off with you head!” The freedom of press and petition of government is changed because the Sons Of Liberty were going to be killed if they petitioned against the British AKA, (King George III)!
The second amendment was a no brainer to the colonist in the 1700’s. They all had guns and they used them in many situations. There was no “police force” then there were people on watch duty who tried to look out for cowboys. Now there are MANY arguments weather or not people should own a gun, have better background checks, or have strict laws.
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house. This is because in England, even during peacetime soldiers would barge into innocent people’s houses. When this happened the soldiers would take over the home, order for meals and order for the homeowner to clean and mend their uniform.
The colonies had very good reasoning for their amendments based off of past events.
In the bill of rights a lot off the amendments were created, because of the British in the revolution. For example the 3rd amendment was made so nothing like the quartering act would happen again. Also the 8th amendment was created to stop anyone from taxing anyone like the British did to the colonists. I think that the one of the worst amendments was the 2nd amendment. This is the right to own a gun. This was very important in the revolution, because everyone needed a gun so they could hunt for food to eat, But now I think that it should definitely be changed, our at least more strict. It should be that someone should be able to bear a handgun, but not a automatic weapon. Another one that should be changed is the 7th amendment, because if someone is put in trail and found not guilty, but they are that’s fine. The part is if someone finds out they were guilty they can not arrest them. This is bad, because they don’t get punished for what they did, and they could do it again.
Potato-
Gucci response Logo. I agree on why you think the 2nd and 7th amendment need to be changed. Although both of these amendments are very important to many, they can badly effect other things too. Keep up the great work.
Deffinantly agreed, Ryan! I agree with Logan’s thoughts, especially about the seccond ammendment!
Dear Watson Winners,
Like a lot of things, I feel that the bill of rights has pros and cons. Some of the amendments I feel are important and really benefit us, such as number one, freedom of religion, speech, and the press. I feel that some of the other amendments, such as the second amendment, the right to bear arms, is not the best amendment and doesn’t benefit us as much as the others.
I feel that the first amendment is very important, because people should be able to be themselves around anyone, and should not have to worry about what other people will say or think about you for being the way that you are. People should not have to feel bad for practicing the religion that they do, and the first amendment is saying that is wrong. It is important that people respect who you are, because even though they might not feel the same way as you, that doesn’t mean they can change the way that you feel.
I feel that the second amendment, is not beneficial, because you don’t know what people are going to use the gun for, and you don’t know who they are. They could be a criminal! It is important that we are keeping our country safe, and I feel that this amendment is not doing that. Some people are going to be using a gun for the right reasons, but you cannot be sure of that.
Even though some of the amendments are not the best, in my opinion, we are lucky to have them, because I can’t imagine what would happen in today’s world if we didn’t.
Bill of rights
First 10 amendments
Loafers (Hope)
I think most of the 10 amendments are great but not all of them. One of the amendments that stuck out to me was #2: Right to bear arms.(own a gun) I don’t think that is the best or the safest. Most gun owners either have a gun to hunt or to stay safe. If you have a gun to stay safe what are you staying safe from, people with guns? I don’t think that everyone should own a gun, I think the only people the should have a right to own a gun should be people in the military, policeman or hunters (for animals).
One that I think can be bad and good at the same time is amendment #7. I think If you are only tested one and you are guilty that could be bad for others and make them feel unsafe. I think that you should be tested once but if people KNOW you’re guilty and prove it you should be allowed to take the person to court, and whatever happens in the trial is finle.
Although the Bill of Rights were made to be safe, and to give American Citizens rights, has its good Amendments and its bad ones. For example many might feel this way, but I strongly feel that the Second Amendment is not the best choice the Government could have chosen.
The Freedom to bear arms is like giving a criminal a gun. This is one of those Amendments were you have to have to be responsible for it to be a good right. Maybe people at the time were very responsible, but right now it is not constant all around.
I think the Bill of Rights were created to stop what was going around. Maybe people were allowed to double jeopardy other people. They could try people all the time for the same cases. So that was made a Right. Many other Amendments were that way too. They probably were rights to not only protect, but to make America fair.
The Bill of Rights were made while they thought everyone is responsible. It is not the best result when people aren’t responsible. Jason Madison was hoping everyone would be a responsible person with these Rights. The Bill of Rights is like that leash. If you use your rights in an irresponsible way then they will add more Amendments to prevent that. If you use them in good ways they will give you more freedom. That ties with life. It works for anyone.(especially the teachers) The Bill of Rights aren’t the only thing you have to be responsible with, it’s also in communities, in jobs and in your very own household.
Charlie-
Your response is fabulous, and very reasonable. You gave reasons to every statement that you said, and your statements were amazing! I like how you said: “I think that all rights are equally important because if one right was higher than another, there could be chaos.” it is a very smart, and good statement, and I agree with it.
~Kelsey
In The Bill of Rights I feel the most important amendments are the first,third,fourth and fifth amendments. The first amendment grants freedom of religion, speech, press, and petition of government this is important because without it then we wouldn’t be able to say what we wanted to and speak freely. The third amendment grants freedom from military occupation of your house in a piece time, against your
will without this soldiers could come into our home and demand food and a place to sleep like they did before the 13 colonies became America. The fourth amendment protects against illegal searches and seizure of property without the fourth amendment anyone could come into your house and steal your belongings. The fifth amendment says that you can’t be tried twice for the same crime, without this people could keep getting tried over and over again until they were proven guilty. Without all the amendments though America would not be the same country it is now!
Anoushka~
GREAT response! I agree that the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th amendments are very important to our countries future as well. I love how you explained why each amendment was important. Keep up the awesome work!
~ Phoebe
Kelsey~
Your response was great! I agree with you, and we definitely wouldn’t the nation that we would be today if it wasn’t for the first amendment.
~Joseph
Healo Peeps I am here with your weekly payment, I mean blog response
I think that all rights are equally important because if one right was higher than another, there could be chaos.
I know that many people dislike some rights like the Second Amendment, but all of the Amendments serve a purpose and the Founding Fathers put them there for a reason. Also, responsibilities are really important, more important than rights. Responsibilities are more important than rights because if you misuse your rights and act like they don’t exist, then why should we have them? It is not the Second Amendment that needs to be changed, but the enforcement and responsible use.
If everybody plays their part of accepting the responsibilities that our Founding Fathers set forth then there will be more peace.
Joseph-
I agree. If you confuse the fact that you have to have responsibility with rights, and rights with responsibility then you might as well not have any rights at all. When the Founding Fathers made those rights they expected everyone to live responsible. And if you don’t live responsibly then will not have those rights.
Hey Joseph!
I like how you respected the other side of the argument. If I were on the other side of the argument I wouldn’t have gotten very mad. I also like how you talked all about how responsibilities were better than rights. I think this is right, because with all rights come responsibilities. It was a great response, and I really liked it!
~Your Gucci worker, Logan
Brooke-
I agree with balancing rights with responsibility, because when America made the Bill Of Rights, they made it to give the U.S. freedom, but sometimes people need to balance rights with responsibility. I totally agree with you.
~Kelsey
I think that the first amendment is the most important right of all because freedom of speech is something we need to be a free country. If you couldn’t express your religion, then you basically couldn’t do something that is very important to you. The press and petition of government is also very important in the first right because a bunch of amendments were made by one person who petitioned to have a specific right, that they thought would do our country well.
I think that America made the Bill of Rights to be the opposite of how England had ruled the colonies. You would probably be hung if the British found out that you were showing that you believe the exact opposite of them, while America decided to make the first amendment: “Freedom of religion, speech, and the press and petition of the government.” which makes sense that they did that because the colonies had broke off of England because they wanted this.
~Kelsey
Kelsey ~
I fully agree that the 1st amendment IS the most important to our country. I think it is great how you gave specific quotes on what the amendment states. I also love how you showed the parallel opinions of the colonists v.s. the king and parliament. And you showed the consequence for doing these things. Great job!
~ Phoebe
Kelsey~
I agree that the first amendment is the most important amendment! I really like your response and I like how you showed that in England if you went against the king then you would be hung! That would probably happen!
-Anoushka/Mango
The Bill Of Rights, and The Constitution are the foundation, and structure, of our country, and government. They show and determine what the population does, and SHOULD do. They give us a purpose and meaning to strive for. A decision of what to value and what we should not.That is why I personally believe that it is crucially important for us all to recognize, and value the meaning of these sets of rule or laws.
I would like to touch upon the most important Amendments to our country. The 1st and 9th amendments are the most important to our set of laws in my opinion. The 1st amendment must have been the most important law to the founding fathers, or else this would not have been placed first. “Freedom of religion, speech, the press and petition of government.” States the reasons the colonists came to settle in the new world. They felt that future generations should have the rights that they had always wanted in England, and received in the America. This is proving the point “It is worth dyeing to be free!” All setting new standards for the future Americans. The 9th amendment states, “Freedom to have “inalienable rights,” rights that are not specifically referred to in these Bill Of Rights.” This explains that the people have rights beyond these ten that should all be considered. This is important to the founding of America because this basically says you should obey other laws than just these. This is a base for the rest of our laws and regulations. Without this law our country would be full of lawlessness.
An American citizen is unlike many other countries, but we do have to balance rights and responsibilities, like being on a seesaw, always supposed to be even judgment. If you are mishandling the rights you are given then should you really be granted those rights. Essentially our response to not being responsible with your granted rights is putting you in confinement, or prison. But is that a responsible consequence for these actions?
I agree and disagree with your view of the rights. I understand that you think that the first and ninth rights are the most important but those to me are only the foundation of the rights. Those are two good rights to start off with but imagine if we didn’t have any of the laws of court! The entire country would be out of shape! Therefore, I think that the Ninth Amendment is the most important but we still need some others as well. I also agree that the government needs to change the consequences for misusing the rights that have been given to you. Could they even take away the rights that you disrespected?
Phoebe~
I agree that the first and ninth amendments are really important amendments. I like how you talk about how the first amendment gives Americans what they came to America for, freedom! I also like how you say that America has a balance of power, like a seesaw unlike some other countries. I really liked your response!
-Anoushka/Mango-
Brooke-
I strongly agree with your response because guns are just wrecking a havoc across the country and people aren’t doing anything to stop it. The only reason the government hasn’t put an end to the Second Amendment is because they are being paid by the NRA to keep the Second Amendment. I like how you said what would happen without the Second Amendment and what has happened recently with it. Nice response and keep up the good work!
HELLO! These past two weeks I have been learning all about the U.S. government and constitution and the first 10 amendments of the constitution. One thing that I disagree with is the second amendment- right to bear arms (own a gun). I feel this way because of all the recent shootings where people don’t balance rights with responsibility.
My reasoning for disagreeing with the second amendment is because of all the mass shootings. For example the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida. If the second amendment didn’t exist people wouldn’t have any say in owning a gun which causes things like this. This proves that the second amendment needs to be balanced with responsibility.
The second amendment just like all others needs to be balanced with responsibility. For example, rights were made for a reason and if you go beyond the point of a right, its purpose is defeated. Owning a gun can protect but it can also do the complete opposite. Overall, rights clearly need to be balanced with responsibility.
~ Brooke
Brooke ~
I strongly agree with you! I like how you talked about the shootings as one of the example’s for how you disagree. Good Job!
~ Caitlin Kelly
The ten first Amendments are very important but I think that the fourth-tenth amendments are the most important. If I had to choose one amendment that I thought was he most important is the 9th Amendment. The Ninth Amendment states that you have freedom to have “The Inalienable Rights” (Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness without interfering with anyone else’s rights) This means that you have the right to pursuit happiness by practicing your religion but if your “religion” is burning down people’s houses it’s against the law. I think that the fourth-tenth amendments are important because without them there would be basically no laws for court and there would be nothing for the courts and Supreme Court to have to do. Without the 4th Amendment they could run into people’s houses without a warrant and search for things as evidence in court!
I also think that people do have to balance on a seesaw of rights versus responsibilities but it doesn’t have to be a hard seesaw to balance on if you follow the rules and live your life normally without breaking the law. If you are not being a respectful citizen your seesaw will look more like Your Rights versus Other People’s Rights. This is why breaking these Amendments is a bad thing to do. I believe that our government needs to change a few amendments (particularly the second one) and that they need to make harsher punishments for infringing on other people’s rights. Some people around the U.S. are completely ignoring these things and it’s happening more and more frequently. The government needs to find something to stop it because people are not able to balance their seesaws as much as they used to. For example the school shootings are definitely disrespecting others rights because people are killing children and putting them in danger.
Shesher the goat-
That was a juicy response. I also agree that the 9th amendment is very important to our country but, I also think that without the 1st amendment America would most likely be a much different place to live. I also agree that they need to make the 2nd amendment more strict. If we don´t then these same bad actions will just continue happening.
I believe that the Fourth to Eighth amendments are the most important. Altogether they mean you cannot try the same person for the same crime twice, the possible criminal has to know exactly why he/she is getting arrested and they have the right to remain silent, because anything they say can and will be used against them in the court, the defendant, if not happy with conclusion the juror and rest of the court marshals come to, he/she can go up to the one court higher until the supreme court makes the final decision. In these amendments is also no illegal search and seizure, if police or someone search your house or property, with out permission from court, and the person finds evidence that they can use against you, it is invalid. The court cannot accept it because they person illegally searched your house. If the accuser gives the juror enough evidence, the juror can give the accuser permission to search and take ONLY what they came for, ex: cannot take valuable jewelry if they came for smuggled weapons. Even though these amendments do let guilty people get away, they are a necessity for this country to operate like a well-oiled machine.
This is why I believe these amendments are most important, because of the numerous reasons above.
In the Bill of Rights, I think that the most important amendment is the First Amendment which is, Freedom of religion, speech, the press and petition of government. Which in simpler forms means that the Congress can’t stop you from practicing your religion, keep you from saying whatever you want or publishing whatever you want (like in a newspaper or a book).
I think the First Amendment is the most important amendment, because it says that everybody is free to say or do anything you want. These are really important in life, I think freedom of religion, speech, the press and petition of government is the First Amendment, because it’s the most important. When you are irresponsible with this Amendment and all of the other Amendment you are breaking the law. Which means you could get put in jail or other consequences.
Overall, I think these Amendments were written, because then people could get punished for being irresponsible. Before the Bill of Rights people could get away with things that aren’t right, but they weren’t laws so the Congress couldn’t punish anybody.
So this is what I think the most important Amendment is. Bye Watson’s Winners!
I agree with you saying the years of time between the Treaty of Paris and the ratifying of the Bill of Rights was a lawless time. People were getting away with numerous crimes that they were easily guilty if tried.
To start this discussion off I believe the most important amendments/rights are the First Amendment: freedom of speech, press/petition the government and religion. These rights are important because with out them we would end up in the same trash can as Soviet Russia, these things in the First Amendment are things England did to there colonists.
Another Amendment I think is important is the Fourth Amendment: Freedom from illegal search and seizure (Miranda Procedures). This is important because it is your property you bought, it is basically no different then trespassing if the U.S government goes with out permission.
When people abuse their rights its like time out for penetrating the rules but the consequence is to the point where you can be killed or banished to prison for life. Even if you do break the law you have the right to a trial you can´t automatically be sent to prison like the British did.
With out these ingenues rights we would never have the same society we have today United States might not have been just a bunch of allied countries. I hope you are pleased with my thoughts on the Bill of Rights and The Constitution! Peace Out…
Sup Den, the Fourth and first amendments are definitely some of the most important, because your very supportive reasons above.
I agree with the sons of liberty. It is unacceptable how England is treating Boston like ragdolls. The point I want to make is they want freedom and independence. It’s not fair that england is taxing everything from sugar going crazy and taking advantage. That’s why the sons of liberty started the Boston tea party. For there freedom. England would of took advantage of Boston but they wanted to step up and put a stop to this and they partily did. I picked the Sons of liberty because I respect that they wanted to stand up to England. England is the big brother and Boston is the little brother so the little brother stood up and wouldn’t stand down.
Sadie- I think you did a really nice job on getting to your point and having reasons that support your details! I have said a few times, I too agree with the patriots. I like how you started out with a little thing about trust and then grew that into a great argument! Nice job!
Scarlett- I think that your response was very good! I agree with you because this was really not right! Why did the British have so much control over all colonial lives? I like how you compared this to walking over to your neighbors and saying you need space! Maybe next time add on a bit more, but other than that your response was great!
I am agreeing with the sons and daughters of liberty because it just was not right that they taxed everything from sugar to playing cards. There is only one reason that I agree with the British and that reason is that it is not okay to take over the Frenches space on the new world just because you need more space. I mean they did create the townshend acts in result of the Americans taking over the Frenches space. It is just like walking over to your neibors house and saying that you need more space when they need that space to live on.
I am on the Sons Of Liberty side because the England committed an act of treason and broke the law “No Taxation Without Representation” and all of the tarring and feathering and tearing down the tax collector’s house was all for a reason. That reason was freedom and that meant every man for himself no one was trusted neighbors vs neighbors father vs son and friend vs friend. Because there were two sides to the argument none would give in and there was no way to prevent war. War was the one thing that the people could not stop because parliament was breaking British laws and this was bad but, there was nothing you could do to stop them The Sons Of Liberty were doing the right thing because they were trying to get rid of the law. There was no way to avoid war in the situation.
Hello!
I am on the Sons of Liberty side and the American Revolution was one of the biggest parts that ever happened to the world for us. The conflict between residents of Great Britain’s 13 North American colonies and the colonial government was a great big part of it all. King George iii was one of the worst guys of them all because he was one of the guys for the British parliament. This was just a completely bad time for everyone because everyone was arguing about everything the would probably argue about what drink to drink and what drink not to drink because everyone was just arguing the whole time.
King George iii was one of the biggest parts like I said because he had a long time do all of this because he was the king for 59 years and he won the 7 year war. And that’s why no one liked him because he was just a bas=d person. He would do more than just be king considering he has all the power in the world and he just needs more than that of course. I mean if I were king I would not do what he did but I would be very strict about everything but I wouldn’t do what King George iii did. Why I wouldn’t be like King George iii is because everyone would hate me and even my soldiers. I mean Americans would already hate me because I’m a king and everyone in America always hated the king of England.
So that’s why I am going to be a So of Liberty!!!!!!!!!
Sean-
I personally disagree with you because I am on England’s side. Plus I think that There should be one person to own a country and that we should all be obedient to our king and that we should respect him and not argue with him. Even though is he makes a bad decision you have to follow it and that it you disobey your king you shall get a punishment such as a execution or you should get hanged.
Hello Watson’s Winners!
I am on the Sons of Liberty side and I think that the American Revolution was exactly what needed to happen. The war between England and America was inevitable thanks to the acts of the British parliament, and King George iii. A group of examples of these unjust acts are- after the Seven Year War/ French and Indian War settling in the land that was fought for in the first place was prohibited, meaning that the colonists friends and family died in vein, and a new tax was commissioned called the Sugar Tax because Britain was in debt after the French and Indian War, and believed that the colonists needed to contribute to pay off the debt. First of all, the British wanted to take the land that the French owned past the Appalachian mountains just because they said that they clearly had the right to do so, and that they needed the space, and clearly they had no right to that land. Second of all everyone whoever died in the French and Indian war had died in vein because, they died for a cause that would be terminated by the British. Third and finally, the colonists had no vote what so ever over the Sugar Tax being passed or not, which is taxation without representation.
Also, without the American Revolution the great nation that we have today would not be nearly the same. We would not live under a democracy which means there would be one man having total control over everything the nation does, and it also means that not every single man and women would be equal. It would mean that not every man and women has total freedom over themselves. It’s plain and simple, America would not be America without the American revolution occurring.
The Sons of Liberty and the Daughters of Liberty had taken matters into their own hands and had chosen to take action and fight against an unjust, corrupt Empire. They had taken matters to points in which were to extreme like tarring and feathering, but they only wanted the good of their nation. I think that the Sons of Liberty and the Daughters of Liberty were noble causes, and the participants in those causes were brave men and women who along with the continental army, and the leaders of the American militia, were the starting foundation, and back bone of our amazing country.
You showed me a whole new side to the revolution, I thought both sides were doing wrong things, but you argued the Patriots’ side so well that you opened a new door for me, I agree with you now that I finish reading this spectacular point.
Gavin-
I totally agree with you that the Sons/Daughters Of Liberty had to stand up and protest their rights if not are nation may not have sprouted. In England the citizens were getting the same taxes until the riots started and England did not want the land but the colonists did. They got England involved and caused their debt but parliament denied access to the land which was unfair.
-Gavin
I was kind of with Leyton but leaning towards the Sons Of Liberty’s side But know I completely agree with you. I also like how you used such powerful words that helped my me understand it a lot more. I also agree that if the sons and daughters of liberty had done nothing our country may have not sprouted.
Hey Watson Winners! Ella here! So, I can easily defend both sides of the tax acts. I will start with Colonial.
These Colonists were experiencing taxation without representation. This is when you pay taxes to Parliament without actually approving. This was unfair to the Colonists because they were no longer a part of England so it was not their responsibility to pay the British for goods they could get from other countries without paying taxes. This would make anyone angry. I would react the same way. I would stand up for my rights no matter what it took. The Tea Act was a huge upset after all the other taxes. The Sons of Liberty and many others, tried so hard to stop taxes, they stopped all but one of the most popular British goods. After taking it for a while they realized that it they stopped the others, they could stop this one… Of course this led into the Boston Tea Party which was a huge upset to the British, Tories, and other British supporters. This later led into the Revolution which I believe was the right thing and helped us be free. We stood up to the British and now a a safe and strong Country.
Okay, so I actually don’t agree with the British or the Tories. I think that they were flat out wrong and also very bossy. But I have to defend both sides. Even though my proof that the British were right is not as good as my colonial response. The Brit’s did not mean for this to happen. They simply were used to being listened to and respected. They also had expectations. These expectations were for the colonists to be loyal to those above them, and also to their King. They not only wanted respect, but also support from their subjects. It was not that much to ask, just a few taxes, which then turned into one small tax on tea. This was probably a bit surprising to them. That the reactions were so horrible. I definitely think that the “anti” British overreacted a little. I mean, come on destroying all the tea. But overall that British deserved to be defeated after all that disloyalty to their subjects.
Like I said before I agree with the Sons of Liberty and all their protesting. Which side are you on? British or Colonial.
ROAD TO REVOLUTION!
The road to revolution was a difficult time for the colonists. You didn’t know who to trust- your friend, neighbor or even your family members. There was tories and patriots, and acts of treason and acts of tyranny. Myself would of been a patriot. The colonists faced the French & Indian War and Proclamation of 1763. The Sugar Act, Stamp Act, and Townshend Acts. They faced non-importation agreements, Taxation Without Representation, and tarring & feathering. They have faced the formation of committees of correspondence and the Sons & Daughters of Liberty. They committed boycotts, “massacres” and the Dumping of the Tea. we’ve seen Intolerable Acts and an Olive Branch Petition. Now the Shot Has Been Heard Round the World and the colonists are fighting back.
It all started when, Britain sent the colonists for a variety of reasons to the “ new world “ so they could leave England and wouldn’t disrupt England’s way of life and religion. With the colonists gone, Britain could care less about them and what they were up to. Now, because Britain became broke, from spending all their money on the French and Indian war, they are putting it on the colonists shoulders to pay more money for things such as tea and rum to get Britain’s money back. Britain was clever in which, they taxed items that people back then could not live without. Because Britain continuously taxed America The colonies fought back and that’s when the colonists did the dumping of the tea. Eventually Britain had to know that something was going to happen, the more they taxed the colonies. The colonists did this act very quiet and slick. All the colonists were trying to prove was that the tax on tea was a unessassy tax. The colonists were just trying to prove a point. Something much worse could of happened that night of December 16, 1773. They could’ve burned the british ships, burned the Britiah soldiers houses. But all the colonists did was put their point across the board and give Britain the message that this act is silly. We don’t think that this act is completely necessary for us and the rest of the colonies.
Sadie-
I agree with you, what Britain did was not right, and unfair. Sadie, think of what would have happen to all the people that live in america, what would have happen to all the slaves, that became free. What the British were doing we learn not to do in kindergarten, like we don’t take with out asking first. And all of the reasons that I said, and that you said make a really good augment.
Hey Watson Winners! Ella here! So, I can easily defend both sides of the tax acts. I will start with colonial.
These colonists were experiencing taxation without representation. This is when you pay taxes to parliament without actually approving. This was unfair to the colonists because they were no longer a part of england so it was not their responsibility to pay the british for goods they could get from other countries without paying taxes. This would make anyone angry. I would react the same way. I would stand up for my rights no matter what it took. The tea act was a huge upset after all the other taxes. The sons of liberty and many others, tried so hard to stop taxes, they stopped all but one of the most popular british goods. After taking it for a while they realized that it they stopped the others, they could stop this one… Of course this led into the boston tea party which was a huge upset to the british, Tories, and other british supporters. This later led into the revolution which I believe was the right thing and helped us be free. We stood up to the british and now a a safe and strong country.
Okay, so I actually don’t agree with the British or the Tories. I think that they were flat out wrong and also very bossy. But I have to defend both sides. Even though my proof that the british were right is not as good as my colonial response. The Brit’s did not mean for this to happen. They simply were used to being listened to and respected. They also had expectations. These expectations were for the colonists to be loyal to those above them, and also to their king. They not only wanted respect, but also support from their subjects. It was not that much to ask, just a few taxes, which then turned into one small tax on tea. This was probably a bit surprising to them. That the reactions were so horrible. I definitely think that the “anti” british overreacted a little. I mean, come on destroying all the tea. But overall that British deserved to be defeated after all that disloyalty to their subjects.
Like I said before I agree with the sons of liberty and all their protesting. Which side are you on?
Ella-
Your opinions were great, and I agree with you that the colonists were mostly right. I also think you did a great job with not letting your oppinion get in the way of you defending the British side. Overall, you thought hard on both sides, and applied the facts we learned in social studies. Great job!
😉
On behalf I disagree with most of the other students. I think that England did the right thing. England had the right to tax the colonial people because after all the colonial people were the ones who made them broke, they were the ones who wanted war and England used all of there money winning a war that the Colonial people should had won themselves. They first ask England to help them win the french and Indian war and then they tell them we are not going to help you get your money back even though you won a war for us while making yourselves broke and sacrificing yourself for us. That ‘s it you pushed the limits. You just completely forget that you made us broke.
Okay now you’re going to tar and feather the people who are innocent and just doing their job. Your killing people who have done nothing but do there job. You think you are are patriots you are terrorist the sons of liberty is a group of terrorists. Your killing British citizens.
Fine you think that we put taxes on to many things (the only things we put taxes on is rum and all things made of paper, and maybe a few other things, it’s not even that much). Since we are clearly being so nice we will pull the taxes down a notch, we will only tax one thing “tea” plus it will be cheaper than the regular price of tea.
This worked for about a year or so and then the rebels did the worst thing possible, and this raged us with anger going down our veins, Thy through all of our tea in the ocean. They destroyed the tea, they threw it overboard and got rid of all of the British tea. We don’t understand why would they dump our tea we gave the tea for cheaper and this is what they give us why did they do this. Why did they not buy our tea. Why are the so outraged that we made the tea cheaper, Shouldn’t the be happy!
That is the question to think about?
The colonists did bring England into the war and made their debt and the least thing they can do is pay a tax. But England did ban any person to set foot on the ground they fought for, for seven years. England should have let their colonies have more space. I agree that the colonists were not going to get into parliament by attacking people who had nothing to do with the taxes. What are they fighting for a bunch of small taxes it is pointless. Once England did reform the taxes and made tea the last tax and tea the cheapest why would they be mad? I think by that time the patriots weren’t thinking about the taxes but a grander prize, FREEDOM.
Gaurav-
I disagree, the colonies do not care that things is getting taxed, as much as they are outraged that England, is breaking the law, for their own wants. Like we learn in kindergarten, and preschool, we do not take with out asking first. If the British had just given the colonists a spot in Parliament, they probably would not care that much about the taxes. The British broke the law, to get what they wanted, that is not okay in any case.
Two sides, two arguments, one win. I am with the Patriots. All the people that came to america seeking freedom, all the slaves that became free, what would happen to them if we had not separated from the British? Some things that the colones were wrong, like all the taring and feathering, BUT it was the only way to get what was right. We had no say in any thing, we were the British’s pets, making them money, and doing all the work, well the king sat in his thorn thinking of new ways to tax the colones. I know that the colones owned the British, BUT just like we learn in kindergarten, you don´t just take, you ask.
Mercedes-
The first sentece was a great way to start it off! I also think that your perspective and findings on the British taxing the colonists were something I hadn’t thought of. I usually thought that th British were right fully taking back what they gave, but now when you said the colonists were doing extra work too, it made me realize the money wasn’t just coming out of the colonists pockets. Great job!
In my opinion both sides had their wrongs, if I was back in the 1700s I would be called a fence sitter but I agree more with the patriot side.. I agree with the patriot cause because England is making and increasing more taxes with out America’s representation in parliament. American patriots over reacted a little by the throwing 92,000 pounds of tea in Boston Harbor and “Taring and Feathering” innocent tax collectors who had nothing to do with unfair English taxes.
I understand that England was almost broke after the French and Indian War and they only got involved in the war because colonists wanted them to. On the other hand colonists were not allowed to got on the land which made colonists angry that they had to pay Great Britain. That is when the sons and daughters of liberty started and they went barbaric on tax collectors and customs officials because they wanted say in parliament. Back in England the people in the House of Lords/Commons were scared, which decreased their chances. If England let them in this whole thing could end but instead they said “NO”.
Then then merchants began to not import English goods, which made England relieve some taxes. I wonder how the colonists convinced the merchants to commit this “TREASON”. England made a bad decision… The colonist now felt they could erase the one tiny Tea tax left. On December 16, 1773 a group of patriots/traitors boarded 3 tea boats in Boston Harbor and dumped 72,000 pounds of tea, as silent as possible. I wonder why in later years they named it the “Boston Tea Party”? Five months later the Revolutionary War began and It might had not had started with out the Boston Tea Party. If England had just let them have say in parliament there would be no revolution and who knows we could have still been a British colony.
-Avery
I personally disagree with you because I am on England’s side, I think that the British were completely allowed to tax the Americans because the Americans had made them broke and they had took help from England, and now it is England’s turn to get help from the Americans and so in my perspective I think that it was the the right thing to do for British and that they should not have to go through so much tierney for helping america and they betray them.
If I were back in the 1700s I would opt out of the whole thing, both sides were wrong in doing many things. The whole Road to Revolution is a cause and effect. If the colonists didn’t ask for help from England, England would not be broke and they wouldn’t have put the taxes on colonial goods, and no taxes means no war. If there was no war, it would change our whole course of history, we may even still be an English settlement, and England may still control 2/3 of the world
The Road to Revolution was a very difficult time, there were neighbors versus neighbors, father versus son. Both sides were right and wrong in many different ways. It also is an endless loop of arguing. The law makers were not allowing the colonists into Parliament, because the “barbaric” colonists were committing acts of “treason”, tarring and feathering, and raiding the tax collectors homes. The colonists were committing these acts, because the Parliament was breaking English law, “no taxation without representation”. Parliament was taxing the colonists with out the colonists say in Parliament. Neither side would give in, and this eventually created a war. To create even bigger problems Parliament added at least five more taxes which caused even more strain, when two or more people have a feud or disagree, especially two countries, there is bound to be a war. War is inevitable in that type of situation.
Leyton –
I enjoyed how you interpreted the situation in the colonies and how you used a brain-load of factual information which supports your clearly well thought out opinion. I enjoyed it!
Leyton-
You wrote a great debate arguing the colonial side, to the revolution story! You included a load of factual information supporting the colonial side I agree with you/colonists, if Britain wants to come live in our land, they have to fallow our rules, as we do for Britain. You wrote a very great, detailed response, I enjoyed it!!
Leyton, You wrote a amazing response and included amazing facts. You’re very right about how the Road to Revolution was a very difficult time because you said it there was to much arguing that know one could keep up like Tim actually says in My Brother Sam Is Dead. You really explained how everything was too difficult to figure out everything that was going on. They probably needed a couple hundred people to listen to everything kind of like the news reporters getting in everybody’s news.
So Whaddya Thinking about my fellow Watson winners!!
There are some many things to talk about between the Partitions and the Loyalist that It’s very hard to tell which one to choose ,but I have came to a conclusion that I’m going to be a Patriot I don’t know I just really want to be one because it sounds really fun to do because I have been Listing to the Hamilton album and unhealthy amount of times so I thought it might be fun.
I think that the Regulars have why too much power in the government and just the colonist. They should show them that they are now going to be there own country and they will not be taxed by a tiny island across the sea. The Colonist should be able to be their own Country and they should not have to pay the unfair taxes that just pop up into king George’s the lll head. They have to be able to be free and so that They show the Pro British that we are not afraid to shed blood on the battlefield.
Dean,Your writing was very good and you had a very good introduction to your reply.You really started off good by saying there are so many things to talk about between the partitions and the loyalists it’s very hard to tell which one to choose. I like your decision of being a Patriot but I don’t like how you said I don’t know why it would be cool because you have to have an idea why you want to be a patriot right? The regulars do have way to much power in the government. And I like how you said like a big statement the colonist’s should be able to be able to be their own country and they should not pay unfair taxes that just pop into King George iii head. It was very GOOD😀😀😀
he Revolution was a difficult time, and not everyone agreed…
The Patriots have boycotted, tarred and feathered, and dumped tea into the boston harbor. When the Patriots boycotted, this was one thing that was not as harmful as others. They had every right to boycott, because the British raised taxes without representation. The Patriots may have seen tarring and feathering as just a part of defying the British, but the tax collecters may have been on the Patriots’ side, or a fence sitter, and they may just be trying to keep a job to provide for themselves. There were so many lives lost that shouldn’t have been. Lastly, the Patriots also may have seen the dumping of the tea as part of defying the British, because they thought the British were being tyrants. Even though the British were not being the best about taxes, the dumping of the tea was an act of treason, which is what the tories, and the British thought.
The fence sitters didn’t exactly do anything wrong, but they rarely did anything to help make peace, or make one side stronger. But then again, if the fence sitters had sided, the war could have ended out differently.
The Torries themselves, didn’t make the tax, but they may have supported it. the British also could have just taxed the citizens in England! If the torries had turned enough fence sitters or patriots on their side, they could have gotten the thirteen colonies to stay english colonies. That could have effected our lives today! That could have effected if there even was an America.
The tories or patriots, or a little bit of both caused there to be a break of peace in the colonies. If all the colonies were patriots, then the war may not have changed. But if all the colonies were tories, the war may not have broken out in the first place.
Lastly, war could have happened no matter what. Eventually, war could have broken out, but for a different reason. There is always going to be someone that disagrees, so war was kind of inevitable.
Have good night!!!
Kelly –
In your response, I enjoyed the amount of factual information and description that you included. Not only have you used a balance of description and your opinions, you made it seem like a fair situation. Good job!
Hello the Winners of Watson’s!
For my first so Whaddya Think About It I have to agree with the Patriot cause. Although, it was not right for them to respond in the way the Colonists did after the numerous taxes that put high price on many Yankee goods. Not to mention taxing the ENGLISH CITIZENS without representation in Parliament. I can understand how the Crown taxed the colonists after the French And Indian War, but haven’t they made the debt!? The Patriots also, had their fair share of bad things such as: tarring and feathering King Appointed tax collectors and/or burning tax collector’s houses.
War could not have been avoided. The relationship between England and America were in horrible conditions. also to mention the relationships of neighbors, friends, and family! It was definitely daring to fight the British but without taking that risk would we be owned by England today? I guess you could say that’s the American dream.
“For the Revolution!!!!!!!!”
Jack-
You did an amazing job on your response! You included great factual information and debated the patriot side very clear and strong. I like how you included how you could also debate for the torie/Britain side, because both sides, America and Britain were wrong in what they did. Great job!!
Hi!
I am going to focus on the question about the seesaw and rights vs. responsibilities.
Everyone should and have rights. You need rights to protect yourself from other people or animals. Everyone has the right to bear arms. That means to own a gun. But, you should/can only use it for protection. For example, if a man named Thomas owns a gun but starts to shoot and kill people for no reason, then that right might be taken away. But lets say Thomas owns a gun but a man with a weapon comes into his house and uses it for protection. That is why you are aloud to have a gun. You have to have responsibility for these rights. Like Ryan said, “A right is very important but so are responsibilities,”
If we did not have rights, things would start to get out of hand. These 10 amendments are very important. The 10 Amendments are:
1. Freedom of religion, speech, the press, and petition of government
2. Right to bear arms (own a gun)
3. Freedom from military occupation of one’s home in peacetime, against one’s will
4. Freedom from illegal search and seizure of property (must have a search warrant, follow Miranda procedures)
5. Right not to incriminate, or testify against self while on trial (right to remain silent); right not to be tried twice for the same crime (no Double Jeopardy)
6. Right to a fair, impartial and speedy trial; right to be informed crime and evidence against; right to have a lawyer (Miranda rights)
7. Right to a jury trial for civil lawsuits; no double jeopardy cicvil cases
8. Right to petition the Supreme Court, hen deemed appropriate by lower courts, for the final decision.
9. Freedom to have “Inalienable Rights” rights that are not specifically referred to in these bill o rights
10. States’ rights, or the peoples’ rights, to all things not specifically assigned to the federal government
Hi Watson’s Winners this week I choose to focus mostly on the question about the sesaw and rights vs. responsibilities.
First, it is really important to have rights. This is because you need certain rights for certain things. It is really important to have rights for a country. If we didn’t have rights everything wouldn’t be out of order. So it is VERY important to have rights. But along with rights come responsibilities. Respnsibilities are just as important as rights are.
For example, I have the right of ”freedom of speech.” But if I use that right irresponsibly everything will not turn out right. Lets say I say Emily quit school and crashed her car into me because she was texting. That statement isn’t true. I ruined Emily’s repititon. I did not use that right responsibly.
A right is very important but so are resposibilities. That is why we think of it as a scale.