Part 1:
You are to read Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis.
This book is found in the NYPL system in their catalog as well as on Amazon and other online retailers. As you are reading, answer the following questions. Answers should be typed and will be collected on the first full day of class.
- What is so phenomenal about the American Revolution and the founding of the United States? What are some of the criticisms of the Constitutional Convention?
- Why was the country so interested in Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr? What were both the short term and long term causes and effects of the “Interview at Weehawken”?
What were the issues that Madison, Hamilton, and Jefferson met about over dinner? What compromises were reached? What obstacles were there for each issue? If all of the leaders were working to make this experiment in democracy a viable one, why did they have different opinions and priorities? What influenced them?
- The issue of slavery did not just divide the country in 1861, but had been a contentious problem since the founding of the U.S. After fighting for freedom and liberty, why did the founders allow slavery to have Constitutional protections? Why would it have been very difficult to abolish slavery in 1790? Why do you think this chapter is entitled “The Silence”? Give specific examples.
- Joseph Ellis believes that George Washington was an incredible man, of “rock star” proportions during his lifetime. What were some of Washington’s accomplishments? Even though he was unanimously elected as the first president, Washington faced criticism and backlash during his presidency. What were the criticisms, and who were his main critics? How did Washington address them in his Farewell Address?
- Who became an “incongruous pair”, both during the Revolution and again after? How had they worked together? How and why did they come to oppose each other? Give specific examples ranging from 1793-1812. What legacy has each left for the U.S. government today? When did they die, and why is that still considered significant today?
Part 2:
You must print out the APUSH Agreement, and you and your parent or guardian must read it and sign it. This is due to me on the first day of class.