The Constitution

What makes the United States special? Is it our diversity? Our determination? Our natural resources? Or is it our system of government, a system of checks and balances on the most powerful governing parts, set up in a way as to not allow any one part more obvious power over the other two? A system that is run, for all intents and purposes, by the voices of those that it governs?

This week, we will take a closer look at this system and its formation in the late 1700s, a decade after independence from Britain was won. You are responsible for the following assignments.

[Please remember, at this point, you are full-fledged APUSH students, so this will now be run more like a college class; in other words, no more late assignments will be accepted. Assignments are due during 2nd period on the due dates unless otherwise noted. If you have a question or concern about this policy, see me during my office hours (8:30-9:20AM daily, or afternoons by appointment).]


1.)“American Pageant” Guidebooks, Ch. 9 & 10 – Due Tues., 9/27

2.)Document-Based Question :“How Revolutionary Was the Revolutionary War?” – Due Wed., 9/28

3.)Precis for Zinn, Ch. 5 – Due Thursday, 9/29

4.)Monterey Institute, Unit 2 – Chapter 5 (Lessons 14 & 15) – Due Fri., 9/30
a.)Lesson 14 – “Explore the Articles of Confederation” – Mult. Choice
b.)Lesson 14 – “Explore the Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom, 1786” – Answer the “Consider This” question
c.)Lesson 15 – “Explore ‘A Supernumerary Crisis’ by Thomas Paine” – Mult. Choice
d.)Lesson 15 – “Explore the Land Ordinance of 1785” – Mult. Choice
e.)Lesson 15 – “Explore the Northwest Ordinance of 1787” – Mult. Choice
f.)Lesson 15 – “Explore Letters to James Madison” – Answer the “Consider This” question

5.)“The Framers and the Faithful” article from “Washington Monthly”, April 2006 – Read the article, and answer the questions included (BOTH documents are on my McKeel webpage) – Due Mon., 10/3

6.)Zinn, Ch. 6 – “The Intimately Oppressed” (Questions on my webpage) – Due Tues., 10/4

7.)Monterey Institute, Unit 2, Chapter 6 (Lessons 16 thru 19) – Due Thurs., 10/6
a.)Chapter 6 – Free-Response Question (“Evaluate the extent to which the Articles of Confederation were effective in solving the problems that confronted the new nation?”
b.)Chapter 6 Writing Assignment (“Patrick Henry’s objection”)
c.)Chapter 6 Discussion Question (“How did the compromises made when writing and ratifying the Constitution encourage the development of political factions? Compare and Contrast the effectiveness of Washington’s and Adams’ presidencies in obeying and promoting the Constitution during their administrations.”)
d.)Lesson 16 – “Explore Congress Hall, Philadelphia” – Answer the “Consider This” question
e.)Lesson 17 – “Explore Federalist & Anti-Federalist Papers on Taxation Power” – Mult. Choice
f.)Lesson 17 – “Explore Washington’s First Inaugural Address” – Mult. Choice
g.)Lesson 17 – “Explore Bill of Rights” – Mult. Choice
h.)Lesson 18 – “Explore George Washington’s Proclamation of Neutrality” – Mult. Choice
i.)Lesson 18 – “Explore the Jay Treaty” – Mult. Choice
j.)Lesson 18 – “Explore Washington’s Farewell Address” – Mult. Choice
k.)Lesson 19 – “Explore Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions” – Mult. Choice

Besides these assignments, you will also have classwork assignments that will be turned in as well.