2.02 Ap Government Essay

2.01 Freedom, Equality, and Order 1.Select either Shays’ Rebellion or ADA, 1990. Discuss how your chosen event/legislation is either an example of Freedom vs. Order or Freedom vs. Equality. Shay’s Rebellion is an example of Freedom vs. Order. Shay’s Rebellion was the result of the new, post-revolutionary government based on equal liberty beginning to fail. The farmers represented â€Å"Freedom†, while the merchants represented â€Å"Order.† The farmers were getting slammed by heavy land taxes and felt their newfound â€Å"rights† that the revolutionary war had given them were being infringed upon by the debtors’ court. The merchants believed that everything was going well, and wanted to continue with the new government that was leading them to a more cosmopolitan rather than agrarian lifestyle, which is what they were striving for. The farmers wanted more economic freedom, while the merchants wanted governmental order. 2.What freedoms are most important to you? Freedom of press and freedom of speech are the most important freedoms to me. Freedom of press creates accountability between the government and citizens and an informed citizenry. It also promotes the free unhindered exchange of ideas allowed by freedom of speech.. 3.What freedoms are you willing to give up in an effort to maintain order? I am not willing to give up any of my freedoms. The freedoms I have are important to me. We have order in our society today. Trying to remove these freedoms would most likely result in civil unrest. After September 11 there was great discussion of furthering order to keep our nation safe. For example, many individuals argued for the right of the government to be able to increase its wiretapping powers in order to avert terrorist acts. Do you think the government should do more to keep citizens safe? Why or why not? What things would you be willing (or unwilling) to give up in order to maintain safety? I think the measures that government has taken since September 11 are sufficient enough to keep us safe. Additional measures do not need to be taken. I definitely would not be willing to give up right to bear arms.