UNITED STATES HISTORY
Roycemore School
Mr. Novick
TAKE-HOME ESSAY EXAM THREE: The Constitution
DUE: Tuesday, November 22nd in D Block Study Hall (to Ms. Romano) for Naomi, Rick and Ivy, and in F Block Study Hall for Andy (to Mrs. Wirth) – once you turn in your essay, you will also take the multiple choice Constitution exam in these study halls
Please answer the following questions, using your syllabus, class notes, textbooks, and, if you choose, the Internet (see the class website for links to history sites you can use at http://ushistorywithmrnovick.blogspot.com). You can also phone a classmate for assistance, although you must, of course, write your answers yourself (please note that copying and pasting from a website is the same as cheating on a test…paraphrase, that is, use your own words).
Your answer should be written neatly or typed in complete sentences, with careful attention paid to using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Written answers must be in pen, and typed answers must be double-spaced. Each answer should be at least two paragraphs in length. You have the option of either turning in this essay exam in class on the due date, or e-mailing your answers to me at jnovick@roycemoreschool.org by 10:00 PM the night before it is due.
Each question is worth 10 points, on the following scale:
Historical Accuracy/Thought Process: 1-5 Points Possible for Each Question—
5 pts = Demonstrates mastery of all material/concepts
4 pts = Demonstrates mastery of most material/concepts
3 pts = Demonstrates basic understanding of material/concepts
2 pts = Demonstrates some knowledge of the material/concepts
1 pt = Demonstrates little knowledge of the material/concepts
0 pts = Fails to demonstrate any knowledge of the material/concepts
Writing (organization, neatness, grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.): 1-5 Points Possible for Each Question—
5 pts = Excellent writing: clear, cohesive, and well-organized. No grammar, spelling, or punctuation mistakes.
4 pts = Very Good writing: clear, cohesive, and organized, but one or two minor problems with organization, clarity, grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
3 pts = Good writing: meaning is clear, but need to address more than two problems with clarity, organization, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
2 pts = Fair writing: some of the meaning is clear, and multiple problems with organization, neatness, grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
1 pt = Poor writing: meaning is unclear, and/or serious problems with organization, neatness, grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
0 pts = Writing is incoherent
THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES
1. Explain the debate between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists over the direction of the new national constitution, and then explain the resulting compromise, Federalism. Two paragraphs.
2. The Preamble to the Constitution tells the purpose or goals of the new national government. What was the existing state of affairs under the Articles of Confederation, and what were the goals of the new government, according to the Preamble? Paraphrase (use your own words!). Two paragraphs.
3. How did the delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 deal with the divisive issue of slavery? One paragraph.
4. How did the delegates deal with the need to balance power among both large and small states? One paragraph.
5. The Founding Fathers designed a national government with “checks and balances” and “divided power” in the new federal Constitution to make sure no individual or group seized power and tried to rule like a dictator or king. In two paragraphs, name the three branches of the United States government and briefly describe three of the powers held by each branch. Then, in a second paragraph, describe one check that each branch possesses on the power of the other two branches.
6. Briefly describe how a bill becomes a law in the United States Congress, making certain to include the President’s role in your answer. Two paragraphs. Be specific.
7. Explain what the following clauses or powers from the Constitution mean, AND why you think they were important to the Founders: Power of the Purse; Elastic Clause; Supremacy Clause; Reserve Clause. Four short but meaningful paragraphs (one paragraph each).
8. Those concerned that the new Constitution and its strong federal government would limit the personal freedoms enjoyed by Americans insisted that the first 10 amendments to the document (a Bill of Rights) be added for the Constitution to be ratified (made into law). List at least five important rights Americans continue to enjoy today because of the Bill of Rights, and identify which amendment protects each of these rights. Two paragraphs.
9. The 2nd and 8th amendments to the Constitution are often the subject of angry debate, with modern Americans arguing over what they really mean (what the Founding Brothers wanted). Identify the two controversial issues related to these amendments, describe the different interpretations possible, and share your own opinions on these two issues, telling WHY you believe what you do. One paragraph per amendment.
10. Pretend you are a member of the US House of Representatives, and you have just introduced a bill (a proposed law) to the House. Describe the many ways in which your bill can be ‘killed’ along the way, by all three branches of government. Then explain, in our own words, WHY the Founders set up a system where passing laws is so very difficult. One paragraph.
BONUS QUESTION (worth a maximum of 5 points): Write a one paragraph biography of James Madison of Virginia, the intellectual Father of the US Constitution. Be sure to tell why he matters to American history! One or two paragraphs.
