Madison Gault 12-13-13 Social Studies Miss.

Hart 2nd period

The time period of the 1700s and the time period of today are way different. More issues have occurred today that werent addressed back then. The 1700s was a time period without the nice things we have today. We have more freedom than the people had back then. Colonists were mad about the government just like some of us are today. What were the colonists mad at their government about compared to what Americans that are upset with their government today? Could there be another American Revolution? In my opinion, it will not happen. The 1700s and todays time period are alike in some ways. Not only were the people of both time periods somewhat mad about their government, the reasons that they were upset were similar. During both time periods, people were upset with taxes. The colonists were upset because taxes were being placed on them that they had no control of. Today, people are upset about taxes continuing to rise and there seems to be nothing that can be done to stop them. The higher the taxes, the less money people take home which means less money to spend. People then and today felt helpless. Their anger was directed towards the government. In the 1700s, the anger resulted in a revolution. Today, the Presidents approval ratings have dropped very low. The time periods also differed in many ways. Today, people have other ways of showing their anger. This could include social media, protests, and boycotts. People in the 1700s did not have these things and so violence was their way of protest. The Boston Tea Party, while non- violent, is one way that the colonists did protest the government taxation. Also, today, people rely more on the government to live. This includes welfare, food stamps, medical insurance, and other programs. Colonists did not rely on the government for help. The Declaration of Independence does talk about the right of the people to abolish their government and form a new government if that government is harming the people. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their Safety and Happiness. If Americans feel that there is a good reason for a revolution, then they have that right. It does say though that the reasons should big and important. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes. You should not throw out your government for something that is not important. Even though the Declaration of Independence gives Americans the right to have a revolution, I do not think there will be one in my lifetime. Everyone depends on the government. I dont think people will go against the government because they need them more today than the colonists needed their government back then. Even during the first part of the American Revolution, most colonists did not want to be completely free from Britain. They wanted to after Britain tried to destroy them. I dont think that will happen today.

Madison Gault 12-13-13 Social Studies Miss. Hart 2nd period