1. Explain Calhoun's concept of "concurrent majority." How does it
rectify what he considers the chief flaw or deficiency of government
based on "numerical majority"? How are his assumptions about human
nature used to justify the need for concurrent majority?
Discuss one problem you see with his model of government. Can you
suggest any modifications to his theory that might solve this problem, or
is the problem fatal to the theory?
2. Summarize the positions of the three abolitionist currents, or "phases," according to Frederick Douglass. What differences in basic beliefs, strategic aims, and/or social composition kept them from uniting? (You will have to do some historical research to answer this question.)
3. What does Du Bois mean by "double consciousness"? How does it lead to the "waste of double aims?" In what sense is it nevertheless a "gift"? How might this concept apply to a group you are familiar with (women, youth, people with disabilities, workers, poor people, ...)?
4. Speaking to other African-Americans, Du Bois writes, "Work, culture, liberty,--all these we need, not singly but together . . ." How does this encapsulate his assessment of the black quest for freedom in post-Civil War America? How does it also encapsulate his criticisms of Booker T. Washington's program? Do you think the modern civil rights movement succeeded in focussing on all three elements in its freedom struggle?
5. How did Stanton, Douglass, and Du Bois appeal to American ideals in arguing for women's rights and black freedom? How, according to each of them, would society as a whole benefit from the victories of these struggles? Do you agree?
6. What evidence is there to support the claim that when Stanton spoke of "woman," she had in mind native born middle-class white women? Do you think it fair to say that these were the women she was advocating for politically? Whether or not you do, do you think the needs and aspirations of such women differed substantially from those of other groups of women (e.g., freedwomen, recent immigrants)?
7. Your question (please contact me before proceeding).