Part 1-
1. Was Andrew Jackson a great president? Opinions are mixed. What is yours? Consider the words that Jackson biographer James Parton wrote in 1859:
"Andrew Jackson, I am given to understand, was a patriot and a traitor. He was one of the greatest of generals, and wholly ignorant of the art of war... He was the most candid of men, and was capable of the profoundest dissimulation... A democratic autocrat [dictator]. An urbane [sophisticated] savage. An atrocious [awful] saint."
2. American life changed dramatically during the first part of the nineteenth century. The United States' economy changed from a subsistence economy to a market economy. What does that mean and why did it happen?
Write a well-constructed essay that:
• Explains the difference between a subsistence economy and a market economy.
• Explains the reasons why the shift to a market economy occurred.
• Briefly describes the adjustments in manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, and communication that took place in each section of the country during this period.
Which of these changes and innovations helped unite the country and why?
Part 2-
1. The four presidents who followed George Washington faced critical foreign policy decisions. For each of those presidents-John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe-discuss one key foreign policy event. Describe the event itself and its significance to the nation.
2. The Federalist Era is the period of time between the ratification of the Constitution and Jefferson's inauguration as president. During this time, the new nation struggled to find firm footing. What were the achievements of the Federalist Era? What were its failings? Write an essay answering both questions
Part 3-
1. An important feature of the U.S. Constitution is its provision for a system of checks and balances. Explain the purpose and structure of the system of checks and balances and give an example of how it works.