Political History Review
Mr. Zacharia
Big Questions
• What is the appropriate role of the federal government? (Liberal vs.
Conservative)
• How effective was President X? What were his successes and/or failures?
• How have voting/political rights been expanded over time?
• How have the major political parties changed over time? What has been
the significance of 3rd parties?
• How have major Supreme Court cases changed America?
• What were pivotal presidential elections?
• What are the origins and basic components of the U.S. Constitution? What
major changes have been made to it?
• What laws changed America the most?
– Socially (esp. for minorities, women, the poor, immigrants, labor, Native
Americans)
– Politically (voting/elections, structure of gov’t, civil liberties, corruption, role
of gov’t)
– Economically (tariffs, banking, taxation)
Examples AP Questions
• Presidential elections between 1928 and 1948
revealed major shifts in political party loyalties.
Analyze both the reasons for these changes and
their consequences during this period.
• Explain the origins of TWO of the following third
parties and evaluate their impact on United
States politics and national policies.
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The People’s Party (Populists), 1892
The Progressive Party (Bull Moose Party), 1912
The States’ Rights Party (Dixiecrats), 1948
The American Independent Party, 1968