Classroom Worksheet
Common Man: Early Years in Politics, 1821-27
Debate the two arguments for and against squatters' rights. Work with your debate team to develop an argument supporting your assigned position.
Supporting squatters' rights: Opposing squatters' rights:
In the state legislature and in Congress, Crockett represented pioneer families and squatters, the common folk of west Tennessee. The term "squatters" applied to the poor settlers who claimed undeveloped tracts of state or federal land and improved them by building simple log homes and planting crops. Since they could not afford the price of the deed, the squatters did not own the property they settled on. Regardless, Tennessee did not grant men who did not already own property the right to buy land until 1834.
"Although squatters did not technically own the land, they made it more valuable by clearing trees, building log homes, planting and cultivating crops, making primitive paths, and raising livestock. In the end, they made the land more valuable for resale. As a result of their efforts, they provided employment and promoted the western economy."
"Private property ownership is a basic right in the United States. Individuals who can afford to buy property and improve upon it should have a preference over those who cannot. Furthermore, people who spend their own money on land take more care of it. As a result of their efforts, they also provided employment and promoted the western economy."