Frederick Douglas Fourth of July Speech
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Speaks about what Independence Day means for Black Americans --> highlights irony
between vision for the day’s meaning and the real situation for African Americans
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Supports American revolution against the British --> argues for freedom of enslaved
Americans under the same principle
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Support for abolitionism was tepid at the time --> Douglas attempts concessions + tries
not to appear too controversial while also raising a new viewpoint
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Argues that abolition of slavery is the only solution consistent with the American ideals
of democracy and freedom for all
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Ultimately believes abolitionism will win + history will look favorably at his opinions
American Politics: A Very Short Introduction - Chapter 1
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American politics features political parties, judiciary members, interest groups,
regulatory agencies --> many well known and others operating behind the scenes
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Most important extra-Constitutional institutions are political parties that choose leaders
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Democracy is assessed by the validity of majority rule, debate of opposing viewpoints,
governmental competence, freedom of association, and accountability level
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Equal representation is another criterion that is o en unsatisfied by democracies
Frederick Douglass' Independence Day Speech & American Politics