LAD/Blog #:2 John Peter Zenger

1. Who was John Peter Zenger?

John Peter Zenger was a publisher and editor for the New York Weekly journal, from Germany. He criticized the corrupted New York government, including Governor William Cosby. Which included, Cosby’s prosecution of the Interim Governor Rip Wan Dam and the removal of the Chief Justice Lewis Morris. Angered Governor Cosby, had Zenger arrested for “Seditious Libel.” 

2. What was the controversy over his charges? Talk about Hamilton’s defense. 

The controversy over his charges were that Zenger’s articles and criticism was in reality true and therefore were more of fact then opinion. During Zenger’s trail his lawyer Andrew Hamilton used this evidence to his advantage as well as spoke straight to the jury, rather then to the judge. As a result, working in his favor, and lead to the juries decision of not guilty and zenger’s release. 

3. What influence did his case have on American government tradition? 

  Zenger’s case had many influences on american government, the first being the courts view on libel suits. After his case lawyers were able to say that if a statement is true, that it is not libelous and a person cannot be charged. Cases similar to Zenger’s seen in the court room were forever changed. 

4. What is the lasting significance of his trial? Explain

John Peter Zenger's trial 

 The significance of his trial was that at first it gave writers and publishers more confidence to write more freely. Newspapers were allowed to criticize the government, as long as there statements true. As time progressed it eventually led to the freedom of speech and the first amendment. 

LAD/Blog #1: "Mayflower Compact and Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

1. What concepts are included in the mayflower compact?

The Mayflower Compact stated that a form of government was going to be established for organization and to unite the colony. This would allow equal laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Officers for the good of the colony. 

2. How does the May flower Compact reflect and attachment to both the “Old” and “New” worlds? 

The Mayflower Compact shows an attachment to the “Old” and “New” world because the settlers used ideas from not only England, but some of their own as well. The settlers kept there old traditions and loyalty to the king from the old world. They also used new ideas and concepts such as different governments that they would not have been able to do if they stayed in England, which incorporates the “New” world. 

3. How did the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut differ from the Mayflower Compact?

The real difference between the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut and the Mayflower Compact was there intentional purpose and the time they planned for it to be in effect. The Mayflower Compact was written to set up a temporary government to in place while the settlers set up their colony and life. It was also used to keep the settlers in line. On the other hand the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut was written to create a long term government. The government was to be able to deal with issues all year round and maintain liberty and faith in god as well as laws. 

4. What prompted the colonists of Connecticut to take this approach to government, i.e.: use of a written constitution.

This approach was used because a strong government was necessary to grow and evolve. In order to unify the colonies of the Connecticut River Valley more laws were needed and a stronger and permanent government was key. 

5. In what significant ways does the Fundamental Orders reflect a fear of and safe guard against the uprising power by one person or a chosen few? 

Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

Since the Fundamental Orders is set up to be a strong government, it makes it more difficult of a single person or small group to over take it. As a pre-democratic government chosen by the people, for the people, it is not likely someone would have an uprising against a candidate chosen by the citizens. 

Writing of the Mayflower Compact

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