USI Honors Summer Assignment
Due Monday September 9, 2013
Students will read the Introduction and Chapters 1-4 of Founding Brothers by Joseph
Ellis. The following reading guide must be completed and turned; it will count as a quiz
grade. Responses should be well-organized and thorough; they should show significant
reflection and use specific examples as evidence.
Introduction “The Generation”
1. According to Ellis, what were the benefits and dangers of the men in New York in
1789 as they began to govern under the new Constitution? Explain.
2. Evaluate the 4 reasons Ellis offers why he believes the Founding Brothers were so
successful. (Do you agree/disagree with each? Which do you believe is the most/least
significant?)
Chapter 1 “The Duel” July 11, 1804 (A Gentlemanly Affair!)
1. Explain the backgrounds of both Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr.
2. Examine the circumstances that led Hamilton and Burr to duel in the first place.
Provide at least THREE specific examples of the CONFLICT/TENSION between the
two.
3. Discuss the significance of this duel as it related to the young, developing country.
Chapter 2 “The Dinner” June 20, 1790 (Debt…….)
1. Describe the members (Madison, Hamilton, Jefferson, etc) and the agenda of “the
dinner”.
2. Explain the two issues that were at stake.
3. Evaluate Hamilton’s plan for debt reconciliation. Identify the strengths and
weaknesses of this plan. (Did everyone support this?)
4. Describe the “residency question” and how it was finally resolved. (Where would they
move the capital & why?)
5. Discuss the differences that divided the leadership of the revolutionary generation. Do
you think this is problematic?
Chapter 3 “The Silence” February 11, 1790 (Slavery)
1. Explain some of the initial arguments made for the prohibition of slavery.
2. Describe in detail the arguments presented by James Jackson (GA) and William
Loughton Smith (SC) in support of slavery.
3. 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.
4. Explain the proposals for gradual emancipation. Do you think gradual
emancipation could have been possible? Explain.
5. Interesting indeed---What was Benjamin Franklin’s role in the 1790 debate over
slavery?
6. Evaluate the significance of the title of this chapter, “The Silence.” Was abolition
possible at this time?
Chapter 4 “The Farewell” (Our First President)
1. What was printed in the Republican newspaper, the Aurora, about Washington?
Explain.
2. Assess Washington’s decision to retire. Was this a wise choice? (Consider
private, public, and political concerns in your response).
3. Evaluate Washington’s Farewell Address. What was the purpose of his address
and its main themes?
4. One of the themes of Founding Brothers is that of “character”. According to
Ellis, what was so extraordinary about George Washington? Include not
only his political accomplishments, but also his character.
5. Jay’s Treaty is considered a “landmark in the shaping of American foreign
policy.” Examine 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? Use evidence
from the text to support your response.
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? What plans/ideas would you
support or criticize? How did their views shape American character? Are their ideas still
relevant today?