Social Studies US1H (pdf)

Summer Assignment
USI Honors
Students will read the Introduction and Chapters 1-4 of Founding Brothers by Joseph
Ellis.
The following reading guide must be completed and turned in by Friday, September 9.
This will count as a quiz grade. There will also be a quiz on the book on this date.
Introduction “The Generation”
1. Why were the major accomplishments of the Founding Brothers during the American
Revolution exceptional? (3 reasons)
2. What were the benefits and dangers of the men in New York in 1789 as they began to
govern under the new Constitution?
3. According to Ellis, why were the Founding Brothers successful? (He offers 4 reasons.)
Chapter 1 “The Duel” July 11, 1804 (A Gentlemanly Affair!)
1. Key players---Identify---a) Alexander Hamilton; b) Aaron Burr
2. What happened during the “duel?”
3. Explain the rules of code duello.
4. How were Hamilton’s and Burr’s personalities similar? Explain.
5. Describe the 15 year relationship between Hamilton and Burr. Provide at least THREE
specific examples of the CONFLICT/TENSION between the two.
6. What was a Catiline? Why does Hamilton call Burr the “Catiline of America”? Provide
at least TWO examples that support Hamilton’s view of Burr.
Chapter 2 “The Dinner” June 20, 1790 (Debt…….)
1. Describe the members and agenda of “the dinner”.
2. What compromise was reached during dinner?
3. What was the issue of assumption?
4. What was Hamilton’s plan for debt reconciliation?
5. Why was Madison and other Virginians opposed to it? Explain Madison’s objections
to the assumption plan.
6. Describe the “residency question” and how it was finally resolved. (Where would they
move the capital & why?)
Chapter 3 “The Silence” February 11, 1790 (Slavery)
1. What occurred in the House of Representatives on February 11, 1790?
2. What was included in Jefferson’s ORIGINAL draft of the Declaration of
Independence? Why wasn’t it later included? Explain.
3. Describe in detail the arguments presented by James Jackson (GA) and William
Loughton Smith (SC) in support of slavery.
4. Describe in detail the opposing views presented by John Laurance (NY) and
Eldridge Gerry (MA) in response to Jackson and Smith’s support of slavery.
5. What were the proposals for gradual emancipation? According to Ellis, could
gradual emancipation have been possible? Explain.

6. Interesting indeed---What was Benjamin Franklin’s role in the 1790 debate over
slavery?
Chapter 4 “The Farewell” (Our First President)
1. What was Benjamin Franklin’s gift to George Washington and how does this
symbolize Washington? What evidence from Washington’s career supports this?
2. What was printed in the Republican newspaper, the Aurora, about Washington?
Explain.
3. Why did Washington decide to retire? Address private, public, and political
concerns.
4. Regarding Washington’s Farewell, what was the purpose and three main themes?
5. What were Washington’s purpose/message in the a) Circular Letter (133), b)
Proclamation of Neutrality (135), and c) the Address to the Cherokees (158)?
6. Why is Jay’s Treaty considered a “landmark in the shaping of American foreign
policy”? Explain the controversy surrounding the treaty, including the opinions of
the developing parties, Jefferson, Madison, and the majority of Americans.
Conclusion---Be our guest……
If you could have dinner with any one (or two perhaps) of the Founding Brothers from
Chapters 1-4—who would it be and why? What issues would you discuss?
Answer this question with at least 3 paragraphs (double-spaced); you must include
specific elements from Founding Brothers in your response. What did you find
intriguing? What would you like to know more about?