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A Presidential Crisis
You are the president in post revolutionary war times. The country is still paying off debts
from the war and quickly going broke. As a solution, you applied a tax to alcohol. Although
the tax was unpopular, it did pass in Congress because we need the money. Critics in the
south argued that this tax was an overstep on the president's part and unfair to poor
farmers. Violence is beginning to break out. You don't know what to do! Listen to the advice
of your cabinet members and make a decision. What action should you, as the president,
take?

Which cabinet members support the tax Which cabinet members are against the
and think it should be enforced? tax and do not think it should be
enforced?
1.
1.

2.

2.
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Cabinet Member 2 Main Arguments

Secretary of State (Thomas Jefferson)

Secretary of War (Henry Knox)

Secretary of Treasury (Alexander Hamilton)

Attorney General (Edmond Randolph)

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Literary Analysis
In the Secretary of Treasury’s response, he mentions that the government should,
“appear like a Hercules and inspire respect by the display of strength.” Who or what is
Hercules and what effect does this simile* have?

*Simile= A comparison using like or as

The Secretary of War anticipated a “formidable rebellion” made up of “12 or 15000

desperate & unprincipled men.” Based on context clues, infer the definition of
“formidable.”
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DECISION TIME
What will you do as the president? You have heard the opinions of your cabinet members.
It is time to make a decision. Draft a one paragraph long speech to present to the public
defending your argument. You must cite evidence from two of the cabinet members in
your reasoning for your actions. One of the two can be a counter argument to create a
stronger case.