American Civilization 100

Themes: Electoral College, The Making of Political Parties and Territorial Expansion: The Mindset

I. Election of a President: The Electoral College

II. Political Parties on the Make

1. The Rise of Legitimate Opposition

"Benevolent Environment": literate populous, limited class antagonism, no regicide, limited property destruction, homogeneous population, ease of communication,

2. The Revolution: First major event to channel "founding fathers" into taking political sides.

3. Richard Hofstadter on the "dangers" of newly formed republics.

III. The American Mind-Set

1. Aristotle

2. Social Darwinism

3. Frontier Theory

4. Manifest Destiny