They might have spanish last names because they originated from old ancestors that could've been hispanics
In politics and government, a spoils system (also known as a patronage system) is a practice in which a political party, after winning an election, gives government jobs to its supporters, friends (cronyism), and relatives (nepotism) as a reward for working toward victory, and as an incentive to keep working for them.
I believe she tells them to cover their ears with wax. The Sirens were known to enhcant sailors with their music and songs and lure them to their deaths. To prevent that Circe had them plug their ears so they wouldn't be enchanted, and go to their death.
The years in between the two revolutions we're marked by fighting between Catholics and protestants to determine the nation's recognized religion
The larger goal was uniting Americans around the war effort.
Cracking down on dissent would be a negative action in support of the larger, positive goal the government sought. The government wanted a fully united public in support of the war, and so it put out the message that that freedom of speech might have its limits in times of war.
