US HISTORY
_______________________________Semester One Final Exam Portfolio 2013-14
Section One: Document Analysis (two responses, one page each)
Choose two primary documents from the attached list that are central to the understanding of American
history. (You will use one from first semester and one from second. Documents will be randomly assigned.)
For each document, you will write a one page response, explaining why this is so. Begin with an assertion.
Then, clearly identify how the document emerged within its own era, quote and analyze key parts of the
document. Then explain the relationship of the central idea of the document to American history in a larger
sense by naming at least two specific historical events (outside of the unit of the document) and analyzing the
document’s relationship to those events. Use SPECIFIC textual and contextual evidence.
Section Two: Constitutional Issue (one page)
How should national and state governments divide power?
How should states and the people be represented in government?
What are the limits on the power of executive branch?
What is the relationship of the federal government to civil liberties?
What is the role of the Federal government in the economy?
How much power does the Judiciary have to shape American society?
Pick one of the above questions that defined an important issue in American history. In a one page paper,
explain how this issue shaped American history. Begin with an assertion. Then clearly identify the section
of the Constitution that relates to this question, and explain the issue that it represents. Then, use three
events from our study of US History (these must come from three different units) and discuss how this issue
developed and what impact it had on American society.
Section Three: Final Summation (minimum 1-2 pages)
Your portfolio will conclude with a final piece of writing that will address the following questions: What
conclusions can you make about what it means to be an American? What challenges have faced us as a
nation?
Look back at your first writing for the year on what it means to be an American (response to packet of
readings) and at the three other sections of the final portfolio. Notice how your thinking has developed over
the course of the semester. Which moments from our study have impacted you the most? Using specific
historical references, demonstrate how your understanding of America and being an American have changed.
Your final piece should read something like this: “When I wrote ‘(quoted passage),’ I was thinking about
(original meaning), and now that I learned about (insert specific historical reference), I think (insert new
thoughts and meanings).”
Expectations for portfolio:
1. This is formal writing. You are expected to pay attention to formal writing standards. (Although you
should use the first person in Section Three, all other parts should be in the third person.)
2. You must write with specificity and clarity. Avoid generalizations.
3. You must complete the assigned Table of Contents (see reverse). This must be the first page.
Due: The Assigned Day of the Final on TURNITIN.COM
Document List
Note: You will be randomly assigned one document, and then you must choose a document from the other
semester. Your historical connections must come from the other units.
Quarter One: Unit 1--American Foundations—Colonial and Revolutionary
1. Mayflower Compact
2. “Letters from an American Farmer”
3. Model of Christian Charity
4. Andrew Hamilton, “Defense of Freedom of the Press”
5. John Adams, “Liberty and Knowledge”
6. James Otis, “A Demand to Limit Search and Seizure”
7. Thomas Jefferson, “Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom in Virginia”
8. Correspondence between John and Abigail Adams
Quarter One: Unit 2--Building a Nation—Early Republic and Antebellum America
1. Washington’s Farewell Address
2. Declaration of Sentiments (Seneca Falls)
3. Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s Address to the legislature of New York
4. Sojourner Truth, “Ain’t I a Woman?”
5. William Lloyd Garrison, “Prospectus for the Liberator”
6. David Walker, “Walker’s Appeal”
7. Angelia Grimke, “Bearing Witness Against Slavery” (An Appeal to the Christian Women of the South)
8. Civil Disobedience
Quarter Two: Unit 3--Civil War—Constitutional Crisis
1. Dred Scott Decision
2. Lincoln--Douglas Debate
3. House Divided Speech
4. Lincoln’s First Inaugural
5. Gettysburg Address
6. Emancipation Proclamation
7. Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address
8. Independence Day Speech at Rochester (Douglass)
Quarter Two: Unit 4--Reconstruction and Civil Rights—Citizens Test the Constitution
1. Atlanta Exposition Address
2. The Talented Tenth
3. Niagara Statement of Principles
4. Plessy v. Ferguson
5. Justice Harlan’s Dissent in Plessy v. Ferguson
6. Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Kansas
7. “Letter from a Birmingham City Jail”
8. “I Have a Dream”
9. SNCC—Statement of Purpose AND SNCC Recruitment Pamphlet for the Development of Freedom
Summer
10. President Kennedy’s Address on Civil Rights
11. White Citizens’ Council Five Point Action Program
12. President Johnson’s Speech on Civil Rights (“We shall Overcome”)
---------------------USE THE FORMAT BELOW FOR YOUR TABLE OF CONTENTS------------------------------COPY INTO A NEW DOCUMENT, EDIT & PRINT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR PORTFOLIO--------
U.S. HISTORY
NAME:
FIRST SEMESTER FINAL: TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section I: Document Analysis
Quarter One Document
Title of Document:
Author:
Context:
Two Historical Connections:
Quarter Two Document
Title of Document:
Author:
Context:
Two Historical Connections:
Section II: Constitution
Question:
Applicable Constitutional Section:
Historical Events (three):
Section III: Summation
Title:
Historical References: