17A Final Essay Questions

1. Diversity is certainly not a new aspect of American life. How did colonial immigration to North America effect the development of the American culture, the Revolution and the design of the U.S. Constitution?

2. One of the most unique aspects of American political life was government by written contract. Why did this happen? Include with your answer the various colonial governments and any other phenomena that affected the design of the U.S. Constitution.

3. While it is certain that various European forces influenced the formation of the American Nation, nevertheless the resultant United States of America from its ethics to its government was different from the European models. Explain this statement and include exploration, discovery, various European nations, various individuals, colonial policies and objectives. The American character, the Constitution, and any other phenomena that seem appropriate..

4. Who were the four most important Americans between the years 1776 and 1877? Thoroughly explain and justify your choices.

5. While many often complain about how modern America has abandoned the religious values of the "founding fathers," what role did religion and the religious really play in the formation of the American character, the United States and the construction of its government? Thoroughly explain and justify your answer.

6. Slavery was introduced in the English colonies in North America at the beginning of the seventeenth century and lasted well into the nineteenth century. Explain the following: how did slavery became a mainstay of the colonial economy, why was it adopted, was this an inevitable development, why did slavery end in the north but flourish in the south, how was slavery effected by technology, and how did slavery effect the design and spirit of the Constitution. Include any other aspects that seem important.

7. Was the election of Jefferson really a revolution? Explain how this event was clearly a revolution and contrast this position with the view that it was really a continuation of the greater status quo.

8. At the dawn of the American Revolution many colonists believed that their basic rights as British citizens were being violated even though it seems rather clear that their rights were no more ignored than most people living in England. So how did these North American colonist come to believe that they had rights that were being ignored.?

9. Senator Stephen Douglas once commented that James Buchanan was no Andrew Jackson. Explain how this position can be viewed as a prophecy of doom and contrast and compare the eras and actions of these two Democratic presidents.

10. Some historians view the American Civil War the "Second American Revolution." Explain how the Civil War can be explained as resolving unsettled issues and finishing the construction of the United States.

11. While it is easy to point at famous historical events such as the Boston Massacre, the American Revolution, or the writing of the Constitution to identify the establishment of the United States there were certainly other factors of equal or greater importance. Explain how the American Nation was established by social and cultural means outside of politics.

12. It would be difficult to imagine the United States without its two party systems. Every presidential selection, with the notable exception of George Washington, involved political parties and yet this system was not anticipated or advocated by the framers of the Constitution. Explain how the three two party systems, which evolved before the Civil War became indelible elements of American politics.