ELK Essay (history)

This is 400 words essay + sources 

The Elk case demonstrates how pre-Civil War court decisions continued in the post-war years to influence the definition of "citizen" and civil rights. Read carefully the decision and opinions offered in the Elk case. Below is a link to a web site where the case information is located. I strongly suggest that you print out the Elk case (to help you read it closely).

First, clarify in your own mind the basis for the Court's decision regarding John Elk's rights and privileges in the US in the 1880s.

Several key cases, especially the Dred Scott case, and federal laws and amendments were mentioned in the Elk case. (A link to Dred Scott is provided below.) Note especially Justice Taney's remarks in the Scott decision. After the Civil War, many believed that the 13th Amendment (that ended legal slavery) and the 14th Amendment (that extended citizenship rights) settled some of the questions at issue in the Dred Scott case. And, yet, the Scott decision continued to influence judicial rulings (such as Elk) well after the Civil War.

Second, think about what the Elk decision says about the influence of Reconstruction Era legislation as plaintiffs, such as Elk, tested the meaning and power of new constitutional amendments, and laws regarding citizenship and civil rights.

Elk v. Wilkins available through:

http://laws.lp.findlaw.com/getcase/us/112/94.html

Dred Scott Case:

http://www.historyplace.com/lincoln/dred.htm

http://www.lectlaw.com/files/case23.htm

Respond to the following:

1. Why do you think John Elk wanted to vote in the 1880 Omaha election?

2. On what bases did Elk argue that he had a right to vote?

3. What did the majority of the US Supreme Court justices decide about Elk's status and rights? What were the bases of their decisions?

4. Was Elk's racial status a factor in the outcome of the case?

5. According to Justice Taney (see the Dred Scott decision), was the status of American Indians like or unlike the status of slaves of African descent? What did the framers of the federal constitution intend regarding the status of Indians?

Watch the Ghost Dance documentary (Ghost Dance, written by Ken Burns, 1996, 1 hour, in Alexander Street database, Ellis Library, Research Databases). Do this ASAP!

In your essays (see directions below), be sure to reference Chapter 18, lectures, the "Ghost Dance" documentary, the Elk and Dred Scott cases (links below), and the Omaha articles when applicable.

Do not use any other sources except these!! Absolutely no Wiki or other short-cut info sites!!

Fill in all the assignment paper details that are required in the order form with the standard information being the page count, deadline, academic level and type of paper. It is advisable to have this information at hand so that you can quickly fill in the necessary information needed in the form for the essay writer to be immediately assigned to your writing project. Make payment for the custom essay order to enable us to assign a suitable writer to your order. Payments are made through Paypal on a secured billing page. Finally, sit back and relax.

About Wridemy

We are a professional paper writing website. If you have searched a question and bumped into our website just know you are in the right place to get help in your coursework. We offer HIGH QUALITY & PLAGIARISM FREE Papers.

How It Works

To make an Order you only need to click on “Place Order” and we will direct you to our Order Page. Fill Our Order Form with all your assignment instructions. Select your deadline and pay for your paper. You will get it few hours before your set deadline.

Are there Discounts?

All new clients are eligible for 20% off in their first Order. Our payment method is safe and secure.

Hire a tutor today CLICK HERE to make your first order