1. Evolving Definitions of Freedom Thematic Essay #1 DATA COLLECTION SHEET #2

2. Dimension of Freedom Notes: (What freedoms? Who has these freedoms? Why do they have these freedoms?) Evidence (Quote, Title of Document, Date, Author, Author’s Title): Evidence Explanation: Religious Freedom The end of British rule threw into question the privileged position enjoyed by the Anglican Church. Religion becomes a more private affair. The Revolution enhanced the diversity of American Christianity and expanded the idea of religious liberty. “free exercise of religion” (Pennsylvania State Constitution) “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion…” (First Amendment, U.S. Constitution, 1791) Seven state constitutions began with a declaration of rights including a commitment to religious freedom. Congress cannot set up an established or official church or religion for the nation. It cannot forbid the practice of religion nor can it force the practice of religion.

3. Dimension of Freedom Notes: (What freedoms? Who has these freedoms? Why do they have these freedoms?) Evidence (Quote, Title of Document, Date, Author, Author’s Title): Evidence Explanation: Economic Freedom Liberty for whites meant a lost of liberty for Indians. Independence offered the opportunity to complete the process of dispossessing Indians of their rich lands in upstate New York, the Ohio Valley, and the southern backcountry. Revolution – set in motion abolition in the North but slavery remained intact, if not grew, in the South. “No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports.” (U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 10, Clause 2) Forbids states from taxing imports and exports without the consent of Congress (people chosen by the people to represent them).

4. Dimension of Freedom Notes: (What freedoms? Who has these freedoms? Why do they have these freedoms?) Evidence (Quote, Title of Document, Date, Author, Author’s Title): Evidence Explanation: Political Freedom Even as colonists defended their own liberty against the British, the buying and selling of slaves continued. Overall, the Revolution led to a great expansion of the right to vote for men. “ endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights…life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (D of I, Thomas Jefferson, 1776). “…governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” “The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public may require it.” (U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 9, Clause 2) “Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned…according to their respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole number of free persons, including those bound to service for a term of years and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other person.” (U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 2, Clause 3 Every person is born with natural rights – rights are God-given – rights so basic, so rooted in human nature itself, that no government could take them away. The government only has power because the people give the government power. The people hold the final authority in government. A writ of habeas corpus is a court order requiring government officials to bring a prisoner to court and explain why he or she is being held. A writ of habeas corpus protects people from unlawful imprisonment. The government cannot suspend this right except in times of rebellion or invasion.

5. Dimension of Freedom Notes: (What freedoms? Who has these freedoms? Why do they have these freedoms?) Evidence (Quote, Title of Document, Date, Author, Author’s Title): Evidence Explanation: Personal Freedom Many slaves saw the struggle for independence as an opportunity to claim or declare their own claims to freedom. Among the first efforts toward ending slavery were “freedom petitions” – arguments made by slaves for liberty to their state courts and legislatures. The Revolution encouraged the expansion of educational opportunities for women, so that they could impart political wisdom to their children. For women, the Revolution caused women to challenge the absolute power husbands had over their wives. “all men are created equal” (D of I, Thomas Jefferson 1776) -Deborah Sampson disguised herself as a man and enlisted in the Continental Army -“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” (U.S. Constitution, First Amendment) “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” (U.S. Constitution, Second Amendment) All persons are considered of equal value – equal in the eyes of God. Jefferson’s seemingly straightforward assertion inspired previously marginalized groups to express their own dreams of equality/freedom. Congress can not abridge, or limit, the freedom to speak and write freely. Americans debate the exact meaning of the Second Amendment. Some believe that it guarantees the right of each state to maintain a militia. Gun control, or the passé of laws to regulate the ownership and use of firearms, is one of the most controversial issues today.