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UNIT 31.what is an American? Comment on the answer to the question by crevecoeur?(1)American is either a European, or the descendant of a European , hence that strange mixture of blood, which you will find in no other country.He is an American, who leaving behind him all his ancient prejudices and manners, receives new ones from the new mode of life he has embraced, the new government he obeys, and the new rank he holdsThe American is a new man ,who acts upon new principles. He must therefore entertain new ideas and form new opinions.this is an American.(2)According to Crevecoeur, The American in those days had the mixed blood of Europeans or their descendants without taking into consideration other nationalities such as American Indians and blacks. But today , the picture of an American is more complex.2 How did modern development in Europe influence the settlement of North American colonies?Some new and powerful social forces began to emerge which led to the awakening of Europe and the discovery of America.The first new force was the development of capitalism kpt()l.zm, and it produced the bourgeoisbrw class and the working class.The second major force was Renaissance rnesns, which was marked by a changing outlook on life. The third influential force was Religious Reformation, a religious reform movement that started form Germany.3 What was the unique American phenomenon ? How did it come into being? Do you think it still exists in todays American society?on the one hand, the English and other Europeans went to North American for seeking freedom. But on the other hand, these very white people who were seeking and fighting for their own freedom deprived black Africans of their freedomThe two events combined constituted a unique American . First one is that on July, 30,1619,the first meeting of an elected legislature led.sletr took place in North American. The second one is a dutch ship brought in over 20 Negroes niro, who were acted as servants for years.Yes, I do.4 In what way did Puritanism influence American culture?The Puritans pjrt()n believed that governments should enforce Gods morality mrlti. They strictly punished drunks, adulterers dltrr, violators valet(r) of the Sabbath sb and other religious believers different from themselves. Roger rdr Williams, one of the Puritans who protested that the state should not interfere .ntrfr with religionrldn, was driven out of Massachusetts. In 1635, he set up Rhode Islandalnd colony, which guaranteed religious freedom and the separation of church trt and state. The Puritans also have left rich cultural heritagehertd to future Americans. The American values such as individualism.ndvdu.lzm, hard work, respect of education owe very much to the Puritan beliefs.5.what were some causes of the American Revolution？Explain the Declaration of Independence.Long-term social, economic, and political changes in the colonies before 1750 provided the basis for an independent nation with representatives political institutions.More immediately, the French and Indian War (1754-1763) changed the relationship between the coloniesklni and their mother country.Finally, a decade of conflicts between the British government and the colonist, beginning with the Stamp Act crisis in 1765, led to the outbreak of war in 1775 and the Declaration of Independence in 1776. In 1776, it was adopted by the Congress. It officially proclaimed the independence of 13 North American colonies. It declared that all men were created equal and were endowed with such unalienable nelinbl rights as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It explained the philosophy of governments: governments should secure these rights and derive their power from the consent of the governed. The theory of American politics and the American Revolution originated mainly from John Locke.North Americans won the victory in 1781. In 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed and Britain had to recognize the independence of America.UNIT 41. Why did the Ariticles of Confederation fail? Was it necessary to change the Articles of Confederation and write a new constitution for the new nation of the United States at the time?TheArticlesofConfederationfailedbecausethestatesdidnotcooperatewiththeCongressorwitheachother.WhentheCongressneededmoneytopaythenationalarmyortopaydebtsowedtoFranceandothernations,somestatesrefusedtocontribute.TheCongresshadbeengivennoauthoritytoforceanystatetodoanything.Itcouldnottaxanycitizen.Onlythestateinwhichacitizenlivedcoulddothat.2.What is a federal system? What are some of the major differences between a federal system and a confederation?TheConstitutionsetupafederalsystemwithastrongcentralgovernment.Afederalsystemisoneinwhichpowerissharedbetweenacentralauthorityanditsconstituentparts,withsomerightsreservedtoeach.TheConstitutionalsocalledfortheelectionofanationalleader,orpresident.ItprovidedthatfederallawswouldbemadeonlybyaCongressmadeupofrepresentativeselectedbythepeople.ItalsoprovidedforanationalcourtsystemheadedbyaSupremeCourt.3.WhataresomeofthemajorpowersofeachofthethreebranchesoftheU.S.government?Howarethethreebranchessupposedtocheckandbalanceeachother?If Congress proposes a law that the president thinks is unwise, the president can veto it. That means the proposal does not become law. Congress can enact the law despite the presidents views only if two-thirds of the members of both houses vote in favor of it. If Congress passes a law which is then challenged in the courts as unconstitutional, the Supreme Court has the power to declare the law unconstitutional and therefore no longer in effect. The president has the power to make treaties with other nations and to make all appointments to federal positions, including the position of Supreme Court justice. The Senate, however, must approve all treaties and confirm all appointments before they become official. In this way the Congress can prevent the president from making unwise appointments4.WhatistheBillofRights?DoyouthinkthatitwasnecessarytowritetheBillofRightsexplicitlyintotheU.S.Constitution?TheBillofRights:thefirst10amendments,collectivelyknownastheBillofRights,wereaddedwithintwoyearsoftheadoptionoftheU.S.Constitution.Theseamendmentsremainintacttoday,astheywerewrittentwocenturiesago.Thefirstguaranteesfreedomofworship,speechandpress,therightofpeacefulassembly,andtherighttopetitionthegovernmenttocorrectwrongs.TheBillofRightsandsubsequentconstitutionalamendmentsguaranteetheAmericanpeoplethefullestpossibleopportunitytoenjoyfundamentalhumanrights.5.WhatarethetwopoliticalpartiesintheUnitedStates?Doyouthinktheyarefundamentallydifferent?theUnitedStateshastwomajorpoliticalparties.OneistheDemocraticParty,whichevolvedoutofThomasJeffersonsparty,formedbefore1800.Thesymbolofthepartyisthedonkey.TheotheristheRepublicanParty,whichwasformedinthe1850s,bypeopleinthestatesoftheNorthandWest,suchasAbrahamLincoln,whowantedthegovernmenttopreventtheexpansionofslaveryintonewstatesthenbeingadmittedtotheunion.ThesymboloftheRepublicanPartyistheelephant.UNIT 51. do you agree that cultivators of the earth are most valuable citizen?Yes, I do agree the point that “cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens”. My reasons for my agreement can be illustrated as follows:Firstly, though outward atwrd forms have changed, the vital importance of agriculture has not. Agriculture provides the sustenance sstnns that meets peoples most basic needs. Agriculture and its related industries serve as the foundation of American economic lifeSecondly, They have shown a spirit of individualism that the rest of society has admired. To a large extent, agricultural values have been adopted and celebrated by the society as a whole.Thirdly, American agriculture is big business. It provides the rest world with lots of food. So as the main body of agriculture, cultivators klt.vetr of the earth contribute a lot to Americans economic.2. It is known to all that buying and selling stocks is a risky business. Why do you think there are still so many people involved in it?In order to invest, individuals do not have to have a great deal of money: they can buy just a small portion pr()n of a businesscalled a share. The business of buying and selling shares in enterprises has become so big that offices have had to be set up where the selling of shares, or stock, can take place. These places, located in many cities in the United States and around the world, are called stock exchanges.3.Give examples of industries which are declining, and industries which are fast developing in the US.Generally speaking, declining industries would be industries where labor cost is high and its growth potential is limited. The Auto industry is in a declining state but of course if they reinvent .rinvent their automobiles things could pick up for them. Developing industries would be the hi tech sector. Especially in companies that are developing new types of technology to help our environment by developing new types of technology in many areas. Especially energy conservation technology and new types of alternative energies. Also, new types of technology where we would be using fewer resources for our daily usage jusd.4.What is the current economic situation in America? How did the great recession begin?what does it show?(1) In late 2007 the US economy suffered a severe recession, it was a crisis that began in America but soon turned global. Millions of people in America and all over the world lost their homes and jobs. It has resulted in the collapse klps of large financial institutions, and downturns in stock markets around the world.(2) Many economists believe that the problems are revealing rvil defects in the free market system and US government financial policies.(3) Question the soundness of this countrys economy and even the appropriate shape of a capitalist system.UNIT 61 In what way do you think that religious freedom was a historical necessity in the United States?A few Americans were so influenced by the new science and new ideas of the Enlightenment in Europe that they became deists dist, believing that reason teaches that God exists but leaves man free to settle his own affairs. Many traditional Protestants prtstnt and deists could agree, however,all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, and that the laws of Nature and Natures God entitled them to form a new nation. Among the rights that the new nation guaranteed, as a political necessity nsesti in a religiously diverse society, was freedom of religion. The First Amendment insured that American government would not meddle med()l in religious affairs or require any religious beliefs of its citizens.2 What is the relationship between government and religion in America?In some ways, the government supports all religions. Religious groups do not pay taxes in the United States. But government does not pay ministers salaries or require any beliefnot even a belief in Godas a condition of holding public office. Oaths are administered, but those who, like Quakers, object to them, can make a solemn affirmation, or declaration, instead3 What promotes the diversity in American religion?Continuous immigration.The united states has always been a fertile ground for the growth of new religious movements. Frontier American provided plenty of room to set up a new church or found a new community.Many religious communities and secular utopias jutopi, or experiments in new forms of social living were founded in 18th, and 19th century America.Other world religions are increasing their numbers and influence in America such as Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism.4. What are some of the features in religion that are particularly American? What are some of the major differences between American religion and religion in Europe?First of all, Americans with different religions live together under the same law.Secondly, the religious beliefs of Americans continue to be strong with social progress.In Europe, scientific and economic advance and rising material prosperity have accompanied by a decline in religious observance bu in the US, this has not happened.Thirdly, in the United States every church is a completely independent organization, and concerned with its own finance and its own building.There has been little concentration on doctrine or religious argument such as in European history.Unit71.What is the main theme in American to the author? How does the author illustrate his point?1. American literature has recorded the story of a quest.2.By listing historical factors and examples:(1) In the 16th century Europeans came to the New World in search of the lost continent of Atlantis.(2)At times the quest was a religious pilgrimage.2.What theories does Ralph Emerson explain in his essays? Why are they so influential?1. Transcendentalism.2. Could reach a higher spiritual state without formal religion; not only upon other thinkers and writer, but upon the general population as well; just like sermons.3. Why does Thoreau have a strong influence on environmental writers and environmental activities today?His commitment to living sustainably and to learning from nature is quite important for humans life on the earth.4. Why is Walt Whitman considered one of the most important poets in America?1. ventured beyond traditional forms to meet his need for more space to express the American spirit.2.as a prototype of “ The American”3.celebrated a sweeping panorama of the American landscape and song almost mystically of the rhythms of life uniting all citizens of the democracy.4. Why did Mark Twain win so many readers both home and abroad?1.He captured a peculiarly American sense of humor, telling outrageous jokes and tell tales in a calm, innocent, matter-of-fact manner.2.sounded distinctive American3.shrewed the social astir.5.What are some of the major themes in novels written by the “Lost Generation”?1.A literature of disillusionment.2.F. Scott. Fitzgerald: restless, pleasure-hungry, defiant mood of the 1920s; poignantly, of youths golden dreams turning to disappointment.3.Ernest Hemingway: a moral code exalting simple survival and basic values of strength, courage and honesty.4.William Faulkner: the stream of consciousness, multiple point of view, symbolism and imagery.UNIT 81. What is the goal of education in the United States? Discuss the similarities and differences in Great Britain, the United States and China concerning the goals of education.The goal isand has been since the early decades of the republicto achieve universal literacy and to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote both their own individual welfare as well as that of the general public. Though this goal has not yet been fully achieved, it remains an ideal toward which the American educational system is directed. The progress which has been made is notable both for its scope and for the educational methods which have been developed in the process of achieving it.2. How did American education begin to develop?In 1634, they opened a “lateen grammar” school, a school for those who wanted to prepare for college.In 1636, Harvard College was founded for the training of religious ministers.In 1634 and 1638, the Puritans passed laws declaring that all property could be taxed for the common good, which included the support of school.In 1642 and 1647, the Bay Colony passed laws requiring all parents to provide reading educating for their children.At the end of the 18th century, elementary education throughout the United States was in local hands.3. Whatdoyouthinksomeofthecharacteristicsineducationthat are particularly American?1.About85%ofAmericanstudentsattendpublicschools(schoolssupportedbyAmericantaxpayers).Theother15%attendprivateschools,forwhichtheirfamilieschoosetopayspecialattendancefees.FouroutoffiveprivateschoolsintheUnitedStatesarerunbychurches,synagoguesorotherreligiousgroups.Insuchschools,religiousteachingsareapartofthecurriculum.2.Eachofthe50statesintheUnitedStateshasitsownlawsregulatingeducation.Fromstatetostate,somelawsaresimilar;othersarenot.EducationintheUnitedStateswastoremaininthehandsofstateandlocalgovernments.3.Americanshaveastrongtendencytoeducatetheirchildrenaboutmajorpublicconcernsproblemssuchasenvironmentalpollution,nuclearissues,neighborhoodcrimeanddrugs.Unit91. What were the major social movement of the 1960s? And what was the historical background of the social movements of that decade?The Civil Rights Movement, the Youth Movement, the Anti-War Movement, Free Speech Movement, Counter Culture, Womens Liberation Movement. American Negroes experienced different lives in the South and outside the South of America.Young people resented traditional white male values in US society.Women experienced different lives during and after World War II.2. Who were the participants of the social movements of the 1960s?Black Americans, young people and women.3.What are the basic characteristics of a social movement?“structure and spontaneity”. There must be one or more organizations(structure) and peoples actions should come from themselves (spontaneity).4. The black political movement that began as a force for integration changed course in the mid-1960s and began to emphasize black uniqueness and even black separatism. What cause this transformation?Although these segregation laws were illegal under the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, the US government would not declare the Southern laws unconstitutional until there were cases brought in federal courts. The civil rights movement began when black people spontaneously protested segregation laws and created organizations to make the protests successful. Long before the students in Greensboro, North Carolina began their sit-ins, there were many others who protested the segregation laws.5. Draw analogies between the black revolutions and the womens movement. What common assumptions do they share?The women activities were most in the civil rights and anti-war movements before. They believed the male leaders of these movements were discriminating against women in the movement just like Whites discrimination against black men. They became known as the “womens liberation” group, or “womens lib”, used radical tactics and received a great deal of bad publicity. This group found strong support among large numbers of young activists from other organizations.6. What are the legacies of the social movements of the 1960s? What are their effects, positive and negative, upon contemporary US society?The Civil Rights Movement, the Youth Movement, the Anti-War Movement, Free Speech Movement, Counter Culture, Womens Liberation Movement. 1. During World War Two, many American Negroes had a taste of life outside the South. They knew that life in the segregated South, where Negroes were prevented from working at good jobs and getting good education, was not the American way of life. 2. Women earned less money and had fewer opportunities to advan
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