Debate Notes

Directions: You must fill these out based on what your opposing group
describes. You must at ask them the question I provided. Please note who
made which point. After the debate you will summarize their point of view
and make note of the decisions you reached about each topic. As a class we
will discuss the major points after the debate, add in any missing notes. Do
not forget to complete the reflection at the end. This will be turned in at the
end of Day 2.

1. The Role of the Central Government:

Question: How would the size of government you advocate for impact the life of the common
man?

Summary:

2. US Economy

Question: Who would benefit from the type of economy you advocate for? Does this kind of
economy allow the country to grow? How?

Summary:
 3. The French Revolution:

Question: What responsibility does the United States have to foreign powers? Are we
responsible for other nations’ actions?

Summary:

4. The Alien and Sedition Acts:

Question: What limitations of power should there be on the people during wartime? Give an
example of when this type of restriction may be necessary. How would these types of powers by
the federal government be reigned in after wartime?

Summary:
 5. The National Bank

Question: How would you define the ‘necessary and proper clause’? Besides the establishment
of the national bank, what might fall under ‘necessary and proper’?

Summary:

6. War Debt

Question: How were the Southerners able to pay off their war debt quicker than the
Northerners? Do you think the two regions need to unite to move the country forward?

Summary:
 REFLECTION:
Compare and contrast the major debates between the Federalists and Democratic
Republicans to the current party platforms of the Republicans and Democrats. What ideas
are still important? Which have fallen away? You may discuss this with your group, but
must record your own answer in bullet points or complete sentences. You may want to
consider the size of government, foreign policy, taxes, and spending.