United States History I Honors Summer Assignment: Founding Brothers
You are to read the Joseph Ellis Book, Founding Brothers. Each chapter will have questions to be answered. The chapter-based questions must be 1/2 page per chapter and must be in MLA format (that is typed in Times New Roman 12 and doublespaced). The structure of the final product is up to you. Each question can be answered in separate responses, not numbered but separate and on their own, or each question can be incorporated into one fluid page response. You may utilize outside resources for info, however, if you do, cite the work with a parenthetical citation. Information on how to cite can be found all over the web. The book is available nearly everywhere and if the link is still active, online access to the book can be found at the following link.
Chapter Questions are due the first day of school but may be e-mailed to me at lorobcan@yahoo.com at any time.
Chapter Questions:
Preface: The Generation
1. According to Ellis’s preface, what is so phenomenal about the founding of the United States?
2. What is the paradox of the revolutionary era?
3. What are the criticisms of the Constitutional Convention?
4. What were the liabilities of the United States that made it difficult to build a nation?
Chapter 1: The Duel
1. According to Ellis’s explanation, why did Hamilton and Burr duel in the first place?
2. One of the themes that we will be following throughout the text is the issue of character. How does the duel
between Burr and Hamilton relate to the issue of character?
Chapter 2: The Dinner
1. What were the two issues at stake in this chapter?
2. What were the obstacles for each issue?
3. What role did Madison play? Hamilton? Jefferson?
4. How does the Compromise of 1790 illustrate the disagreements among the leaders of the revolutionary era?
Chapter 3: The Silence
1. What were some of the initial arguments made for the prohibition of slavery (in spite of the ban on
Congressional discussion until 1808)?
2. Why do you think this chapter is entitled “The Silence”?
3. What made the abolition of slavery very unlikely at this time? Give four specific reasons.
Chapter 4: The Farewell
1. One of the themes of Founding Brothers is that of “character.” Along these same lines, what was so
extraordinary about George Washington?
Include not only his political accomplishments but also what the chapter says about his
character.
How does this relate to the paradox of the American Revolution?
2. What were some of the main points that Washington wanted to make in his Farewell Address?
3. What does Ellis say about Jefferson’s reaction to Washington’s position?
Chapter 5: The Collaborators
1. Who was the “odd couple” of the revolution?
Why was the “great collaboration” destined to become the “great competition”?
2. What problems did Adams face in his presidency?
3. What were the Alien and Sedition Acts?
4. What were the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions?
5. How did Jefferson's views on the French Revolution change?
Chapter 6: The Friendship
1. Contrast the final thoughts of Jefferson and Adams on the Revolution.
Which one does Ellis state is in our history books?
2. When did Jefferson and Adams die? Why is this so appropriate?
