Document Based Question Essay
Question: The debate over the extent of federal power with regard to the states dominated the political scene the first twenty years of the post-Revoluntionary War United States and would set the stage for future division within the nation.
Instructions: Use the majority of documents to frame your answer as well as your knowledge of the period.
Document A: The Constitution of the US
Document B: Kentucky Resolves: Thomas Jefferson (1798)
Document C: Marbury vs. Madison, a opinion written by John Marshall (1803)
Document D: Mississippi Leaves the Union, Secession Resolution (1860)
Document E: Quote from Alexander Hamilton (1787)
Document F: Quote from Thomas Jefferson (1787)
Document G: Quote from ALexander Hamilton (1799)
Document H: Quote from Thomas Jefferson (1787)
Document I: Quote from George Washington (1786)
That's a great question!
How would you like us to help you with it?
I just need a few ideas, so I can get a thesis started. So maybe a few points that I can use. I understand that the nation was split between Anti-Federalists and Federalists, but it needs to be more than three pages, so I need to add more depth, so if you can help me with that, that will be great!
I suggest you start by studying each of the recommended documents. Take lots of notes.
You'll get more ideas about how this issue has affected the U.S. throughout the rest of its history in this article.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/States'_rights
The states united themselves under a very feeble federal government, in accordance with Articles of Confederation, in the time connecting the American Revolution and the ratification of the United States Constitution. The United States’ politicians disputed over the extent of federal power with regard to the states, throughout the first twenty years following the Revolutionary War. Some of the political figures in this debate favored a centralized government, while others leaned toward state rights. This debate set the stage for the future partition within the nation. Throughout these twenty years the nation was split between Federalists, and Anti-Federalists.
how is this for the first paragraph?
That's a good start.
To approach this Document Based Question (DBQ) essay, you should follow these steps:
1. Read and analyze each document: Start by carefully reading each document provided. Take note of the main arguments, perspectives, and ideas presented in each document. Pay attention to any patterns or themes that emerge.
2. Understand the context: Consider the historical context of the time period in question (the first twenty years after the Revolutionary War). Familiarize yourself with the major events, such as the drafting of the Constitution and the debates surrounding federal power.
3. Take notes on key points: As you go through each document, make notes highlighting key points or arguments that support the idea of a debate over federal power. Also note any points that challenge or oppose this idea. This will help you organize your thoughts and form an opinion.
4. Group the documents: Once you've gone through all the documents, organize them into groups based on their main arguments or perspectives. Look for common themes or viewpoints that emerge. This will provide you with a framework for your essay.
5. Develop your thesis statement: Based on your analysis of the documents, develop a thesis statement that directly answers the question prompt. The thesis statement should clearly state your position on the extent of federal power and how it set the stage for future division within the nation. For example, "The debate over federal power in the early post-Revolutionary War United States laid the foundation for significant divisions within the nation, leading to future conflicts."
6. Construct your essay: Use your thesis statement as a guide to structure your essay. Each paragraph should focus on one specific aspect or argument related to the debate over federal power. Use evidence from the documents to support your points and provide historical context. Make sure to analyze the significance of the documents rather than just summarizing them.
7. Draw on outside knowledge: In addition to the documents, draw on your own knowledge of the time period. Incorporate relevant information about key events, individuals, or ideas that are not explicitly mentioned in the documents. This will demonstrate a deeper understanding of the topic.
8. Conclude with a strong argument: In your conclusion, restate your thesis statement and summarize the main points of your essay. Emphasize the significance of the debate over federal power in shaping the division within the nation in the future.
Remember to cite specific examples from the documents throughout your essay to support your arguments. Use parenthetical citations (e.g., Document B) or include the document's title in your writing. Proofread your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammar before submitting.