Question A
A. Patrick Griffin writes that The years 1763 to 1800 marked the start and end of a process by which Americans struggled to act in a world without limits. The revolution began over an idea, the idea of sovereignty: the shape or form ultimate power should take, where it was to be located, andthe justifications for each. How did the idea of sovereignty change for Americans from 1763 to 1800? Briefly describe the idea of sovereignty before 1776. Focus most of your essay on the idea of sovereignty after 1776. In what ways did Americans construct and deconstruct the meaning of sovereignty? Who got to participate in the construction/deconstruction and who did that sovereignty apply to? Finally, what role did the Revolution of 1800 play regarding the concept of American sovereignty?
