Download Chapter 1 Short Answer Essays

Chapter 1 Short Answer Essays
Describe the motivations of many European explorers during the 1500s and 1600s.
During the 1500s, European explorers sought out new profitable trade routes and greater access to
markets in Asia and Africa. After Christopher Columbus made contact with the Americas, many other
European explorers followed to search for gold and other riches, to make money from the fur and fishing
trades, and to build colonies to support their countries’ empires. Others came to convert Native
Americans to Christianity.
How does the conflict over ratification of the 1787 Constitution relate to politics in the United States
today?
Between 1787 and 1789, many political leaders in the United States debated the provisions of the
Constitution in much the same way that modern political leaders debate their interpretation. Federalists
argued for ratification because they wanted a strong central government. Anti-federalists argued against
ratification because they wanted more state and local control, more equitable representation in Congress,
and a bill of rights protecting certain freedoms for citizens. Today, Democrats, Republicans, and members
of other political parties continue to debate the powers and jurisdiction of state and federal governments.
Many political leaders have different interpretations of constitutional provisions and amendments, but the
debate still centers on which branch or level of government has authority and which liberties are
protected.