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Madison and the War of 1812: 1808–1815
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The Constitution (1781–1815)

 
 

Study Questions & Essay Topics

 
Always use specific historical examples to support your arguments.
 

Study Questions

 
1. How effective was the national Congress under the Articles of Confederation? Why were the Articles replaced by the Constitution? How was the federal government different under the Constitution?
 
 
2. Which political group do you believe had a more profound effect on the formation of the United States, the Federalists or the Democratic-Republicans?
 
 
3. Which nation was responsible for the War of 1812, Britain or the United States? What caused the war?
 
 

Suggested Essay Topics

 
1. How did the Anti-Federalists help shape the United States?
 
2. Did the “elastic clause” justify acts such as Hamilton's excise tax and Bank of the United States or Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase?
 
3. How would you characterize Anglo-British relations in the years after independence?
 
4. Describe how three of the following affected the formation of the federal government: a) Marbury v. Madison b) the Louisiana Purchase c) the Bank of the United States d) the Alien and Sedition Acts
 
5. Was the Constitution written to be a self-consciously landmark document or was it simply a compilation of compromises? Support your argument.
 
 
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