Name: ___________________ Class: ____________
Date:_________
Writing Preparation for Hamilton vs. Jefferson Essay
Essay Question: How did the hopes and fears of those who belonged to the Federalists and to the
Democratic-Republican party shape their beliefs about the best form of Federal (National)
government? Analyze which perspective aligns with your hopes and fears for the nation.
Introduction (First Paragraph)
Optional: Anecdote / hook (story – possibly personal background of H or J or you)
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Sentence (s) introducing the debate, giving some background information where Federalists/Hamilton
and Dem-Republicans/Jefferson are introduced (summarize – don’t get into details)
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Your argument about which system (Strong/ weak central government) is more effective.
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Hamilton’s ideas on government (Second Paragraph):
Topic sentence: Hamilton was a _________________ (political party name) who believed in
________________ (strong/weak) Federal government.
What are Federalist hopes: __________________________________________________
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What are the Federalist fears: _______________________________________________
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What is the Federalist’s/Hamilton’s views on human nature?
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Pivotal quote (Evidence): ________________________________________________
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Commentary / Explanation of quote: ________________________________________
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How did their views on human nature shape the form of government they thought is best? (Concluding
sentence / Analysis)
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Jefferson’s ideas on government (Third Paragraph):
Topic sentence: Jefferson was a _________________ (political party name) who believed in
________________ (strong/weak) Federal government.
What are Democratic-Republican hopes: ______________________________________
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What are the Democratic-Republican fears: ____________________________________
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What is the D-Republican’s/Jefferson’s views on human nature?
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Pivotal quote (Evidence): ________________________________________________
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Commentary / Explanation of quote: ________________________________________
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How did their views on human nature shape the form of government they thought is best? (Concluding
sentence / Analysis)
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My ideas on government – My conclusion (Fourth Paragraph):
Topic sentence: (Hamilton’s/Jefferson’s) _______________ conviction supports my argument that we
need a ________________ (strong/weak) Federal government.
What are my hopes for our country? __________________________________________
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What are my fears for our country? ___________________________________________
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What are my views on human nature?
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Pivotal quote (Evidence from your research): ________________________________
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Commentary / Explanation of quote: ________________________________________
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How do your views on human nature shape the form of government you think is best? (Concluding
sentence)
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Concluding paragraph for the entire essay:
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NAME: __________________________________________ CLASS: ______________________________
Rubric for Hamilton vs. Jefferson Essay
Essay Question: How did the hopes and fears of those who belonged to the Federalists and to the
Democratic-Republican party shape their beliefs about the best form of Federal (National)
government? Analyze which perspective aligns with your hopes and fears for the nation.
Section
First Paragraph Introduction
2nd Paragraph –
The Federalists
and Hamilton
3rd Paragraph –
The DemocraticRepublicans and
Jefferson
4th Paragraph –
Your opinion and
conclusion
Content
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Possible
Points
Optional – Anecdote / lead
Sentence (s) introducing the debate, giving some
background information where Federalists/Hamilton and
Dem-Republicans/Jefferson are introduced (3)
5
Your argument in this essay? (2)
Topic sentence states overall idea of paragraph (1)
Hopes of Federalists explained (2)
Fears of Federalists explained (2)
View of Human Nature (2)
15
Quote (1)
Commentary that explains quote (3)
Analysis (concluding sentence) that explains how hopes,
fears and view of human nature influence the type of
government supported by the party. (4)
Topic sentence states overall idea of paragraph (1)
Hopes of Dem-Reps explained (2)
Fears of Dem-Reps explained (2)
View of Human Nature (2)
15
Quote (1)
Commentary that explains quote (3)
Analysis (concluding sentence) that explains how hopes,
fears and view of human nature influence the type of
government supported by the party. (4)
Topic sentence states overall idea of paragraph (1)
Your Hopes for the country explained (2)
Your Fears for the country explained (2)
View of Human Nature (2)
15
Quote (1)
Commentary that explains quote (3)
Mechanics
Analysis (conclusion) that explains how hopes, fears and
view of human nature influence the type of government you
feel is most effective. (4)
Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar errors eliminated
5
Title
The writer has given the essay a unique title
2
Total
57
SelfGrade
Teacher
Grade