AP US History Summer Assignments 2016 Monte Vista Christian School Ms. Donell Lindner AP US History is a rigorous course that moves along at a challenging pace. The following assignments will prepare us
to start the year off running!
Reading 1: ​
The US Constitution and Amendments I-XIX. This can be found online.
Assignment: ​
Know the structure of the Constitution including the Articles (what is the purpose of each
article?) and amendments I-XIX. Understand the basic function of each amendment.
You will have an accountability quiz on this information the first day of class.
Reading 3:​
The Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation​
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by Joseph Ellis. New York: Alfred A. Knopf,
2000. ISBN-10: 0375405445, ISBN-13: 978-0375405440
Assignment:​
While reading the book, answer these questions and take notes on the chart.
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Questions for ​
Founding Brothers ​
by Joseph Ellis Your responses should show in­depth thought and analysis as well as incorporating information from your reading. 1. Describe the strengths (geographic, political, social, etc.) of the young nation at the time of its birth. 2. Describe the weaknesses of the nation (political, social, etc.) at the time of its birth. 3. Ellis lists four reasons why the founding generation was able to set up such a successful and enduring political order; explain them in your own words. 4. The Duel is the only chapter not in chronological order and it serves as an overview of the themes of the book. What does this event reveal about the personalities, and relationships of the “founding brothers” as well as the new nation as a whole? 5. What agreement was reached between Hamilton and Madison at Jefferson’s dinner party? Why was this significant? 6. Why was the slavery question left unresolved at the Constitutional Convention? What did the founders decide to do about slavery? 7. How does Ellis characterize Washington’s presidency? 8. What are the main themes of Washington’s Farewell Address? 9. What kind of influence did Abigail Adams have on her husband and his friend, Thomas Jefferson? 10. What differences led to the break in Jefferson and Adams’ friendship? How was their friendship finally restored? 11. In our political era, compromise seems a lost art. Explain an example of how the men of this revolutionary generation compromised in order to resolve a serious dispute. 12. These men are often mythologized into gods. Point out some of their human weaknesses. 13. Who do you think was the greatest or most surprising leader and why? 14. History has often condemned these men for proclaiming high ideals about freedom while not eradicating slavery. Do you share this view? Explain using specific information from the book. 15. The founding generation was aware that history would be watching them. What evidence can you see of this? Did this sense have positive or negative effects, do you think? 16. Finally, which chapter did you find most enlightening/interesting or informative and why? Use the chart on the following page to take notes on the character traits and accomplishments of these founding brothers: Benjamin Franklin
George Washington A. Hamilton Thomas Jefferson
John Adams James Madison Aaron Burr