United States History and Government 11 Regents
2nd Quarter Homework Assignments (Until Christmas Break)
Mr. Connors
All homework must be HANDWRITTEN. Assignments MUST be done in black or blue ink ONLY. Use the MLA heading at the
top of the paper. STAPLE the pages together. Each assignment is worth 25 points. Homework must be handed in on time. Late or
incomplete homework will receive a zero. Some assignments are essays and some are extended response questions. Follow the
directions for each assignment.
Assignment 1 – Due Date: 11/20
Thematic Essay – Introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Theme: Neutrality as a Foreign Policy
Our first President, George Washington, decided that it was in the best interests of the new nation to pursue a foreign policy of
neutrality. This policy was followed by succeeding presidents, with varying degrees of success.
Task: Show how TWO situations required that U.S. Presidents enforce the policy of neutrality.
For each situation:
 Describe the events that led the president to enforce the policy of neutrality.
 Evaluate the degree of success or failure in keeping the United States neutral
Some presidents and events you may wish to use in your answer are John Adams and the XYZ Affair, Thomas Jefferson and the
Napoleonic Wars, James Madison and the War of 1812, and James Monroe and the issuance of the Monroe Doctrine.
Assignment 2 – Due Date: 11/24
Thematic Essay – Introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Theme: John Marshall Supreme Court
Shortly after the foundation of the new constitutional government, the Supreme Court established itself as an equal to the Legislative
and Executive branches.
Task: From your study of the Supreme Court under the leadership of Chief Justice John Marshall, identify TWO court cases that
strengthened the power of the Federal Government.
For each case identified:
 Discuss the facts of the case.
 Describe the court’s decision.
 Explain the impact of the court’s decision
Some suggestions you may wish to consider include: Marbury v. Madison (1803), McCulloch v. Maryland (1819), Dartmouth
College v. Woodward (1819), and Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)
Assignment 3 – (Read Chapter 7) – Due Date: 12/2
Extended Response – Answer each question in paragraph format. Topic sentence, supporting sentences, and closing sentence)
1. Explain the Corrupt Bargain and how it led to the outcome of the 1824 election.
2. As president, how did Jackson use the “Spoil System”? Explain.
3. Explain nullification.
4. Explain the war on the national bank. What role did Andrew Jackson’s financial policies play in the economic boom and
financial panic?
5. Discuss Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal Policy. What long and short term affects did this policy have upon the Indian
tribes?
Assignment 4 – (Read Chapter 7) – Due Date: 12/9
Extended Response – Answer each question in paragraph format. Topic sentence, supporting sentences, and closing sentence)
1. Why were state and local governments willing to finance roads and canals? Explain a turnpike. What was the importance of
the Erie Canal?
2. What role did Eli Whitney play in the development of mass production? Why is this significant and important?
3. Explain the reasons which led five million immigrants to enter the United States from 1820-1860.
4. Why did Southerners turn from calling slavery a “necessary evil” to calling it a “positive good”? Explain the effects of
slavery on the south.
5. What arguments would you expect an abolitionist to use in condemning slavery? What arguments did some white
Southerners use to defend the institution of slavery?
Assignment 5 – (Read Chapter 10&11) – Due Date: 12/16
Extended Response – Answer each question in paragraph format. Topic sentence, supporting sentences, and closing sentence)
1. Explain the Compromise of 1850: name the chief issue it was supposed to settle, give its provisions, and describe the role
Clay, Webster, and Douglas all played in its passage in Congress. Be detailed.
2. Why did Stephen A. Douglas want the Kansas Nebraska Act? What did it say? What were the results?
3. How did the Dred Scott decision widen the split between North and South? Use examples.
4. How did Lincoln and Douglas differ on the issue of the extension of slavery? You must discuss the concept of “popular
sovereignty”.
5. Describe the founding of the Confederacy.
6. Does Lincoln deserve to be called the “Great Emancipator”? Explain with specific details – you must include information
about the Emancipation Proclamation.
Free Response
Extended Response Directions
 A single paragraph that includes a topic sentence (or thesis) and that responds directly to a question or idea.
 The paragraph combines what is known with what is learned about the subject.
 An extended response should include specific details relating to the given question or idea (the prompt).
 The paragraph consists of five to seven well-developed sentences, plus the topic and concluding sentences.
 The concluding sentence wraps up the main idea of the paragraph.