AP US Summer Reading
The American Revolution
1. What did John Adams mean when he said “The revolution was affected before the war
commenced”?
2. What was the impact of the population explosion on the mid 1700s on Britain as well as
the American colonies?
3. Which famous orator of the Revolution began making his reputation arguing for the Two
Penny Act?
4. What was the colonies greatest weapon against taxes placed on them by the British
Parliament?
5. Explain the difference between Parliament’s idea of “virtual” representation and the
colonist’s demand for “actual” representation.
6. South Carolina and George insisted that what passage be removed from the original
version of the Declaration of Independence?
7. “Thus the American Revolution has always seemed to be an unusually intellectual and
conservative affaire – carried out not to create new liberties but to preserve old ones”
Explain tis quotation.
8. When the states formed new constitutions after the colonies declared their
independence, what was the role of the governor? Why did that role change?
9. Washington was a terrible general, why was he so successful as the leader of the army?
10. After the war was won, America was determined to create a “virtuous” republic. What
did this mean?
11. What impact did the American victory over the British have on the American Indians?
On women? On slaves?
12. How did post-revolutionary America view education?
13. Why was the Constructional Convention called? What was wrong with the Articles of
Confederation?