AP United States History Research Task #1- Primary Documents

Assigned: 27 September 2006

Due:  6 October 2006

Task:  For the assigned topic, you and your partner are to

1. Establish context—in other words, tell the background story in which your topic is set.
2. Present evidence—this means you have found and prepared excerpts of primary source documents that can be used to enlighten us about your topic.  You will need three (3).
3. Illuminate the big idea—what’s the point in learning this stuff?  What general truth is revealed by the specific details you have presented?

This is an Oral presentation

Written Output:  You will need to give me a “note taking” guide no later than 2:15 pm on Thursday, 5 October 2006.  What is a note taking guide?  A list of important people, events, and ideas that will be part of your presentation.  It should be in the same order as your presentation.  Just a list-- not notes!

Prepare a visual (your choice of media) to accompany your presentation.

Vocab:  It is reasonable to expect that some of the vocabulary contained in the excerpts you choose will need clarification.  These words should also be included on your note taking guide.

Topic List:

1.  The Great Awakening

2.  The Triangle Trade and Realities of the Middle Passage

3.  The Peculiarities of Slavery: Virginia 1607-1808

4.  The Federalist Papers

5.  Selling the Revolution—Letters, Pamphlets, and Tracts

6.  Hamilton’s Financial Program

7.  Factionalism and the Rise of Political Parties

8.  Presidential Precedents:  GW

9.  John Adams’ Presidential Crisis

10.  European Intrigues and American Neutrality

11.  Constitutional Crisis:  Strict v. Loose Construction