Frontline Diplomacy: The Foreign Affairs Oral History Collection of the Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training presents a window into the lives of American diplomats. Transcripts of interviews with U.S. diplomatic personnel capture their experiences, motivations, critiques, personal analyses, and private thoughts.

The artist envisions public repudiation of Democratic hard-money policies, and the triumph of administration opponent Nathaniel P. Tallmadge, a conservative Democrat. Tallmadge, on horseback and armed with a lance "public opinion," rides over a fallen Van Buren, saying, "Roll off that ball, tis the voice of the People, they tolerate no more of your hard money humbugs." Van Buren protests, ". . . take your horse's hoofs from off my shoulder; I've no room for SĚ_Ąober second thoughts' now." He leans against a large ball marked "Solitary and Alone," which rolls over Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton and Treasury Secretary Levi Woodbury. Benton, who wields a quill "Expunger" and holds "Mint Drops," exclaims, "Woodbury get out of my way, or the ball will overwhelm us both." "Mint drops" was a colloquialism for gold coins, and refers to Benton's advocacy of a higher ratio of gold to silver in circulation. (For an earlier use of the giant ball metaphor see "N. Tom O' Logical Studies," no. 1837-14.) Editor Francis Preston Blair (seated on a bench at right) says, "Benton out with your old pistols that you shot Jackson with, & pop down Talmadge & his horse, or he'll reach the Capitol." Behind him appear the faint outlines of the Capitol. At left former postmaster general Amos Kendall and former New York governor William L. Marcy sit on the ground. Kendall asks, "By the powers tis the Bronze Horse, he carries all before him. Marcy what shall we do?" Marcy complains, "Confound it I'm down, quite down, with my britches torn again." Marcy's trousers are mended with a "50 cents" patch. (On Marcy's trousers' patch see &2Executive Mercy/Marcy and the Bambers, &1no. 1838-5.) The print probably appeared during the 1840 presidential campaign, when Tallmadge used his formidable influence in New York State in support of Harrison. It is also possible that it appeared during one of his own bids for reelection in 1838 or 1840. Comparison with other 1840 prints by "HD" supports the later date.|Lith. & pub. by H.R. Robinson, no. 52 Cortlandt St., no. 2 Wall St. N.Y. & Pennsylvania Ave: Washington Dist: Cola.|Signed with monogram: HD (Henry Dacre?).|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 66-67.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1840-38.

Martin Van Buren's New York political favorites are represented as piglets suckled by a giant sow "The Empire State." The artist's pointed reference is to the exploitation of New York State by the President and his supporters. The piglets nursed by the sow bear the names "The Regency" and "Tammany Hall" (popular names for the state and city Democratic machines respectively), "Weigh master General," the names of various patronage positions and of banks friendly to the administration, and the "Safety Fund." On the left other piglets, representing applications for bank charters and government offices and "The Times," await the sleeping sow's attention. Van Buren (left) and a stout Dutchman (a stereotyped character often used to represent New York State) look on. Van Buren: Was ever man blest with such a fine old sow and litter of pigs! They have made me the greatest man in the Union, and even follow me every where! Dutchman: Myn Got dey will suck de very life's blood out of dat old sow, I never seen pigs suck so in all myn life. Got for damn such a breed! Myn Vrow would not have dem on de farm.|Printed and published by H.R. Robinson, 48 & 52 Cortlandt St. New York.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 51.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1837-15.

A dramatic prison scene, intended to contrast the clemency of New York's Whig governor William H. Seward with the vindictiveness of the Democrat-controlled New York City prison administration. In the interior of the Halls of Justice, popularly known as "the Tombs," a grim jailer stands blocking the approach of a Catholic priest toward a small cell, saying "You can't Enter." The priest, holding a crucifix and rosary beads, presents a paper marked "Admit the Bearer. W H Seward" and replies, "Here is my authority from Govr. Seward for admission. I shall now see the wretched man." Meanwhile, in his cell, the "wretched man"--actually, convicted murderer John Caldwell Colt--kneels in prayer, a Bible beside him. He implores, "Must I die without seeing my Priest? How cruel to prevent me from making My peace with my God!" The print may be based on an actual incident. Interestingly, though, in the closing months of his administration Seward refused to pardon Colt, despite considerable political pressure to do so. Colt cheated the hangman by taking his own life on the day of his scheduled execution.|Signed with monogram: HD (Henry Dacre?).|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 70.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1842-1.

An illustrated sheet music cover, for a march celebrating the election of Silas Wright as governor of New York. Wright, a popular and influential Democrat and Van Buren ally, was elected in November 1844. The march is dedicated to the new governor by its composer Oliver J. Shaw. The cover is adorned with an elaborately drawn arms of the state of New York. A shield shows the rising sun over a landscape with canal barges; below is the state motto "Excelsior." The shield is flanked by two classical figures: Justice (left) with scales and sword, and Hope holding an anchor and a scythe symbolizing agriculture. Above is an eagle holding arrows, olive branches, and a streamer reading "E Pluribus Unum" and below are olive and oak branches.|Entered . . . 1844 by Wm. H. Oakes.|For sale by E.H. Wade, 197 Washington St.|Thayer & Co's Lith. Boston.|The Library's copy of the music-sheet was deposited for copyright on December 24, 1844.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1844-49.

A crude but charming comic send-up of 1876 Republican campaign strategy. Democratic candidate Samuel J. Tilden and an unidentified man stand fishing on the left bank of a river, their basket overflowing with their catch. On the opposite bank stand Rutherford B. Hayes and Republican incumbent Ulysses S. Grant, obviously less successful. Grant advises Hayes, "I guess that reform bait won't work this side. Better try an anti-Catholic worm." Since both the Democratic and Republican platforms in 1876 stressed reform, Hayes's campaign sought to stir up anti-Catholic prejudice against Tilden.|Copyrighted and Pub'd by P. Jesse 116 Nassau St. N.Y.|Signed: F.G. Del.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1876-7.

Students will gain insight into the influence of the Enlightenment on American society and government by comparing Neoclassical objects from the Getty collection to American civic architecture of the time.

A satire on the controversy surrounding charges of election fraud against New York State tobacco inspector James B. Glentworth and other Whigs during the election of 1838. The allegations were made two years later, in October 1840, by New York Federal District Attorney Benjamin F. Butler, a Democrat. The cartoon echoes pervasive Whig countercharges that Glentworth was used by Democrats in a last-ditch effort to win the presidential election of that year. The print's title facetiously refers to incumbent Democrat Martin Van Buren's description of the Butler inquiry as "a card yet to be played" in his reelection strategy. Glentworth stands before city recorder Robert H. Morris, saying "Let me alone for that I'll blow em sky High Harrison Hard Cider and Log Cabins. I'll tell a tough yarn and the Whigs cant defend themselves before the election." Morris was charged by Governor Seward to hear testimony in the case. One of several observers remarks "It is a lie that will last us Locos [i.e., Loco Focos or radical Democrats] till after the Election." Another, a Bowery tough in striped trousers, remarks, "I think we have the British Whigs now." Morris says, "I say Whiting [i.e., New York City District Attorney James R. Whiting] I am afraid we are barking up the wrong tree. This is Butler's great card but I fear we have turned up the Knave of Clubs." Whiting (seated at table to Morris's right) confides, "My fears are that the Whigs will turn the tables upon us." A man standing on Whiting's right, says "It goes against my religion and my conscience to charge honorable men on the testimony of such rascals but my friend Van Buren must be taken care of." This may be John W. Edmonds, an influential friend of Van Buren involved in the case. A second witness, an obviously disaffected Whig, says, "Now Glentworth give it to Seward for not re-appointing "us." Dont stand on trifles "we" will provide for you." Although the signature "Spoodlyks" is certainly pseudonymous, "The Last Card. Tip Overthrown" is evidently one in a series of satires on the Glentworth scandal, executed by the same artist. Others in this series are "Loco Foco Consternation" and "Evenhanded Justice" (nos. 1840-61 and -62).|Printed and published by H.R. Robinson, 52 Cortlandt St. New York.|Signed: Spoodlyks 1840|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 63.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1840-60.

This assignment is designed to help students become more aware citizens by researching a current political issue that is relevant to them.

Another satire on the Glentworth scandal controversy, by the same artist as "The Last Card," "Evenhanded Justice," and "O. K." (nos. 1840-60, -62, and -63). Here the artist lampoons Democratic efforts to sensationalize the Glentworth proceedings. Glentworth is portrayed as a large striped cat frightening scullery maid "Miss Whiting" (actually New York District Attorney James R. Whiting). The cat has emerged suddenly from a large fireplace in a kitchen or cellar area, scattering firewood and andirons and frightening Whiting, who had been seated reading in a chair. Whiting has seized a fireplace shovel and tongs and confronts the cat. To his assistance rush four other Democratic principals in the Glentworth affair, descending the stairs to the left. They are (top to bottom) Van Buren friend and Loco Foco leader John W. Edmonds (brandishing a tomahawk marked "half-breed"), city recorder Robert H. Morris (holding the "fatal package"of evidence which Glentworth had tried to steal from Morris's office), influential New York Democrat Jesse Hoyt (holding a "tariff" stick, emblematic of Hoyt's office as collector of the port), and Federal District Attorney Benjamin F. Butler (holding a broom and paper marked "hypocrite").|Drawn by "Spoodlyks".|Printed & published by H.R. Robinson, 52 Cortlandt St. N. York|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 52.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1840-61.

A commentary on the Whigs' disappointment of "Loco Foco" Democratic expectations in the New York municipal elections of spring 1838. Successful Whig mayoral candidate Aaron Clark holds two horses by their tails saying, "Stop my good fellows, you are going on a fools errand, you are counting your chickens before they are hatched." On the horse on the right sits a man in the smock and hat of a carman or driver (one of the publicly licensed tradesmen who provided much of the radical Democrats' support in New York). The man may be Loco Foco mayoral candidate Isaac Varian or New York's Democratic congressman Churchill C. Cambreleng. He tries to ride toward Albany, expressing gubernatorial ambitions, "Marcy [i.e., Governor William L. Marcy] must resign in my favor, and I'll be next Governor myself for this job!" A man in Jacksonian uniform sits on a horse at left, headed in the direction of Washington. He is probably Tammany leader Jesse Hoyt. He says, "I shall insist on Matty's making me next Collector!" (Hoyt was in fact appointed collector of the port of New York the same year.) Both men wear ribbons inscribed "Loco Foco Victory" in their hats. The print seems to have been published almost immediately after the spring mayoralty election, in which the Loco Foco candidates were soundly defeated. It was registered for copyright on April 17, 1838.|Entd . . . 1838 by H.R. Robinson.|Printed & publd. H.R. Robinson, 52 Cortlandt Street, New York.|Signed: Shanks fecit (Edward Williams Clay?).|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1838-11.

A satiric commentary on the effects of the landslide Whig victory in New York state elections in the autumn of 1838. President Van Buren (left) greets two of his defeated allies: incumbent governor William L. Marcy (center, in uniform) and Representative Churchill C. Cambreleng. Both men had the support of New York radical Democrats, or "Loco Focos." Van Buren: "Welcome old friends to me yet dear, Pray what the devil brings you here?" Marcy: "I have had leave to resign, and wish to be taken care of. If you had nothing better, I'll take the Office of Collector!" Cambreleng (wiping his eyes): "I am defeated in spite of the lamentations of the people!" Servant at the door, in a Dutch accent: "Vot rum-looking Coveys these is. I vonder Master admits them!" A portrait of Van Buren supporter Francis Preston Blair hangs on the wall of the room.|Entd . . . 1838 H.R. Robinson . . . Southn. Dist. of N.Y.|Printed & publd. by H.R. Robinson, 52 Cortlandt. St.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 53.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1838-12.

The second of two prints by "HD" portraying scenes from President Van Buren's visit to the resort at Saratoga Springs, New York, during the summer of 1839. (See also "The Cut Direct," no. 1839-3.) The satire comments favorably on Whig presidential hopeful Senator Henry Clay's successful precampaign tour of New York State that summer. In a ballroom Clay is greeted by Martin Van Buren, who says, "Mr. Clay you are welcome to the Empire state, I am quite rejoiced to see you so popular among the good people." Clay responds, "I thank you Mr. President for this cordial reception it is a proud and noble state and when thrown upon her own energies and resources uninjured by experiments she will be first in grandure and prosperity as she is the first in population & patriotism." Clay's reference to "experiments" may allude to Van Buren's proposed independent treasury program, whereby federal revenues would be held and paid out not by private banks or a federal treasury but by the collecting agencies or local "sub-treasuries." This concept was linked in opposition rhetoric to former President Andrew Jackson's "experiment" in decentralizing the federal treasury through abolishing the Bank of the United States and distributing funds among state banks. At left New York Democratic Senator Nathaniel P. Tallmadge and Gen. Winfield Scott converse. Scott observes that "the great men are quite cordial" and that Clay's reception was "very chee[r]ing." Tallmadge, an opponent of Van Buren's fiscal program, responds that Clay "deserves all that the people can do for him . . ." The men in the background are unshaven and wear extremely long locks. One remarks, "A cool thousand that I will never shave again--I may be shaved but thats fashionable dem me." Some of Henry Clay's supporters would not shave or cut their hair until Clay won the presidency. |Lith. of H.R. Robinson, 52 Cortlandt St. |Signed with monogram: HD (Henry Dacre?).|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 58.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1839-4.

New York governor Horatio Seymour's famous "My Friends" speech, delivered from the steps of New York's City Hall during the draft riots, was widely misrepresented in the press. On the basis of reports such as this, Seymour was viewed as a disloyal "Copperhead" agitator. The riots, which took place between July 11 and 16, 1863, broke out as a result of the Enrollment Act, which was highly discriminatory to the lower classes. (On this see "Wanted a Substitute," no. 1863-13). Although not an enthusiast of President Lincoln's war policies, Seymour actually rushed to the scene of the riots and tried to restore order. Here Seymour stands on the City Hall steps, addressing a motley crowd of armed rioters, most of them Irish. In the foreground one rioter holds the head of a black man in a noose, while three other black men hang from a tree in the background. (In reality, the rioters sacked and looted a Negro orphan asylum and hanged black men from lampposts.) Behind Seymour stand three men, including (left to right) a fool (no doubt a newspaper editor) wearing a cap labeled "Express," former mayor Fernando Wood (whose top hat fails to conceal a pair of devil's horns), and a man resembling Tammany boss Peter B. Sweeny, with a hat tagged "4-11-44." Below the scene is the dialogue: A Friendly Voice: "Governor, we want you to stay here." Horatio Seymour: "I am going to stay here, MíŰy Friends'" Second Rioter: "Faith and the Governor will stay with us." Horatio Seymour: "I am your fíŰriend;" and the fíŰriend' of your families." Third Rioter: "Arrah, Jemmy, and who said he cared about the DíŰirty Nagurs'?" Fourth Rioter: "How about the draft Saymere?" Governor: "I have ordered the president to stop the draft!" Chorus: "Be jabes, he's a 'broth of a boy." Weitenkampf, probably correctly, attributes the drawing for the print to Henry L. Stephens. It may have been published in connection with the New York "Tribune," whose building is prominent in the background. The "Tribune's" editor, Horace Greeley, was among Seymour's most vocal critics. |Probably drawn by Henry L. Stephens, New York.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 138.|Purchase; Caroline and Erwin Swann Memorial Fund.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1863-12.

Edward Snowden's leak of classified information about the NSA's surveillance of American citizens has touched off a debate about the need for government secrecy versus the public's right to know. Two student readings and discussion questions probe the controversy.

Facing a relative lack of enthusiasm for his campaign in New York State, Lewis Cass hoped to muster Democratic rank-and-file support by endorsing for lieutenant-governor the popular lawyer Charles O'Conor. Here the "Old Hunker" (i.e., conservative Democrat) Cass fishes from a rock at right, dangling a line with O'Conor on its hook above a group of Irish immigrant laborers. O'Conor says, "Come my Countrymen" as he is hailed enthusiastically by the workers, exclaim, "Hurra for Charley O'Connor," "We'll have him President yet," and "Isn't he a darling." A man at the far left says, "Send down the Jewell." Their tools--spades, wheelbarrow, pickaxes and such--are strewn about. At left is a wall plastered with posters advertising a "Mass Meeting Cass & Butler" and "One More Rally for Ireland." Cass remarks, "Upon my honor, I had no idea that a Lawyer was such excellent bait for the real Dimicrats!"|Lith: & pubd. by H.R. Robinson 31 Park Row N.Y. (adjoining Lovejoy's Hotel).|Probably drawn by "W.J.C."|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 90-91.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1848-34.

Course documents for Introduction to United States Government and Politics. The following sections are included:

1) Syllabus for the course
2) Tentative schedule of activities for the course
3) Five Units of study with all reading and writing assignments linked on the activity sheets.

Course Description:
Political Science 201 examines the Constitution and its major themes: separation of powers, federalism, judicial review, checks and balances, limited government, and
individual liberties. The course includes examination of the basic principles of American democracy, the philosophical and historical roots of the American political
system, and the relationship between the major institutions of our government with each other and the people. The politics of American democracy will be explored through an analysis of political ideology, political parties, voting, special interest group behavior, and public opinion. Individual liberties and civil rights will be examined in the context of the evolving American nation.

An illustrated broadside pertaining to the controversy surrounding settlement of the State of New York's War of 1812 financial claims against former governor Daniel D. Tompkins. It was established that the ex-governor was indebted to the state to the sum of $120,000, but a disupte arose between Tompkins and State Comptroller Archibald McIntyre over the valid amount of Tompkins's own claims against the state. The broadside probably dates from 1820, when Tompkins's nomination by the "Bucktail" faction of New York Democrats as candidate for governor gave the issue new importance. The author of the broadside uses the nursery rhyme "The House That Jack Built" in his attack on Tompkins and his supporters. A sequence of six small woodcuts illustrates the verses, showing the House (the New York State Treasury), the malt (the $120,000 debt), the rat (Tompkins), the cat (McIntyre), the dog (the Bucktails), and "the men that'll beat the dog" (the farmers--possibly the Clintonians who opposed Tompkins with their own gubernatorial candidate, incumbent DeWitt Clinton). A seventh vignette shows a fox eyeing grapes on a tree, from Aesop's fable, perhaps suggesting the failure of Tompkins's counterclaim, although the figure 605,000 in the title far exceeds the $130,000 sought by the former governor.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Purchase; Caroline and Erwin Swann Memorial Fund.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1820-1.

Explore the separation of church and state with regards to school prayer and religious tolerance. This lesson is an exercise in Constitutional law, judicial process, critical thinking, persuasive writing and public speaking. It is best conducted over a period of weeks. Teachers may need to adapt the activity to meet time constraints or to overcome limitations that class size might present.

Political Science: U.S. Government Discussion Topics Which Incorporate "Lived Experience"

PS 201
U.S. Government

Description
Examines the development of constitutional traditions in the United States. Includes topics such as the Bill of Rights, interest groups, parties, and elections, as well as, the national institutions including the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of government.

Course Outcomes

1. Communication
2. Community and Environmental Responsibility
3. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
4. Cultural Awareness
5. Professional Competence
6. Self-Reflection