Possible topics for FRQs on Final Exam

Always consider the reasons, sources, controversies, political implications of each question.

Your actual essay prompts will be written differently, to improve test validity.

1. The problem of labor in America from its founding through 1877

2. Shift in attitudes of American colonists toward Great Britain in the 18th century

3. Religion’s role in the founding of America and the extent to which freedom of religion existed

4. To what extent was the Jacksonian period of 1828-1848 really the “era of the common man?” (Consider the power of the presidency under Jackson as well.)

5. How the role of the federal government changed from 1860-1877 in social, economic, and political ways

6. Evaluate the effectiveness of Articles of Confederation in domestic and foreign affairs

7. Slavery’s influence on the political rhetoric of the American revolution

8. The moral and political implications of Manifest Destiny on minority peoples

9. Effectiveness of compromise on sectional tensions in 19th century

10. Women’s challenges to their accepted status from 1776-1877

I would outline my answers including some specific terms and facts I would include. This will also help you study for your overall final, as well.

Book Critique forms for extra credit

There are hard copies of the book critique forms outside the classroom on the first table. However, here also are the questions you must answer. The total length of this book critique should be about 500 or more words (2 pages).

Subject of book:

Title, Author, Place of Publication, Publisher, date of publication, number of pages.

An overview of the contents of the book. Outline the author’s argument or thesis. Is there any controversy regarding the thesis? Be specific?

Purpose or audience for the book. Is this written in an expository or narrative style?

Your reaction and evaluation: How well the book has achieved its goal? What possibilities are suggested by the book? What specific points are convincing (or not?)

What kinds of sources did the author use? Be pecific.

Conclusion (For instance, was this book valuable in expanding your knowledge?)