Skip to Main Content

Unit 5 Scaffolded DBQ Assignment Sheet and Document Set

Support students with a scaffolded version of the Unit 5 Deconstructed DBQ 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.

vested- granted
Analysis Questions:

  • Explain the “necessary and proper” clause in your own words.
  • How might this clause be used to expand the power of the federal government?

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 group in a population that is united in the hope of violating the rights of others
Analysis Questions:

  • What are the “causes of faction”?
  • What would it mean to “control the effects” of factions?

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

sacred-highly respected

republican model of government- a constitutional system of government in which elected representatives represent the will of the people

entrusted- to put into someone’s care
Analysis Questions:

  • Why would Washington refer to liberty as a “sacred fire”?
  • Whose hands does Washington say hold the future of America?

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. implied- not directly stated

express- directly state

former-the first of two, in this context, he is referring to “implied powers”

effectually delegated- effectively or clearly stated

latter- the second of two. In this context, he is referring to “express powers”

corporation- an organization, in this case the National Bank
Analysis Questions:

  • What are the two types of powers Hamilton refers to in this passage?
  • What is Hamilton trying to justify with his argument?

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. delegated- granted or given

prohibited- not allowed

reserved- kept or set aside for a specific purpose

susceptible- capable or open to
Analysis Questions:

  • Which constitutional principle from Article 1 is Jefferson defending?
  • What does Jefferson mean by a “boundless field of power”?

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

prosperity- success, wealth, well-being
Analysis Questions:

  • Why does Washington compare unity to a “main pillar?”
  • Why might Washington have felt the need to emphasize unity as he left office?

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 by spreading false information
Analysis Questions:

  • Which parts of the government are protected by this law?
  • How does this law conflict with the First Amendment?