Unit 5 Deconstructed DBQ Assignment Sheet and Document Set

Instructions

Read and analyze each document in the set. Use the vocabulary to support your understanding and/or take notes as you read. Then, use the graphic organizer to plan your response to the question.

In your response you should:

• Build context or give the appropriate background information for understanding.
• Respond to the prompt with a defensible thesis that establishes a line of reasoning.
• Group the sources (documents) based on similarities or connections.
• Analyze the sources (documents) using the VIEW technique.

DBQ Question: How did the Constitution influence decisions in the Early Republic?

Documents

Document A: Excerpt from Article I Section 8 of the Constitution (1787)

[The Congress shall have Power . . . ] To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.

carrying into execution the foregoing powers- putting the listed powers of Congress into action or making sure they are carried out effectively.

Document B: Excerpt from Federalist #10 James Madison (1787)

The inference to which we are brought is, that the causes of faction cannot be removed; and that relief is only to be sought in the means of controlling its effects.

inference- using what is known to make a judgement or understanding faction-a smaller group within the larger population, brought together by a common interest

Document C: Excerpt from George Washington’s First Inaugural Address (1789)

The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.

preservation- maintenance, care, or keeping entrusted- to put into someone’s care

Document D: Excerpt from Alexander Hamilton’s Opinion on the National Bank (1791)

It is not denied that there are implied, as well as express powers, and that the former are as effectually delegated as the latter. Then it follows, that as a power of [creating] a corporation is not expressly granted, so neither is it forbidden.

former and latter- “The former” and “the latter” are used to refer to two things previously mentioned in a sentence or context: “The former” refers to the first of the two. “the latter” refers the second of the two effectually- thoroughly

Document E: Excerpts from Thomas Jefferson Opinion on the National Bank (1791)

I consider the foundation of the Constitution as laid on this ground: That all powers not delegated to the United States, by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people. To take a single step beyond the boundaries thus specially drawn around the powers of Congress, is to take possession of a boundless field of power, no longer susceptible of any definition.

susceptible- capable or open to

Document F: Excerpt from George Washington’s Farewell Address (1796)

The unity of government, which constitutes you one people, is also now dear to you. It is justly so; for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize.

The unity of government- the states under one government as a country which constitutes you one people- the people together as Americans main pillar in the edifice- key support in the structure tranquility- safety

Document G: Excerpt from the Sedition Act (1798)

That if any person shall write, print, utter or publish… any false, scandalous and malicious writing or writings against the government of the United States, or either house of the Congress… or the President… with intent to defame… or to bring them into contempt or disrepute… then such person shall be punished by a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars, and by imprisonment not exceeding two years.

false, scandalous and malicious- untrue, offensive, immoral or otherwise improper defame or to bring them into contempt or disrepute- make them look bad or bring them into low status