The long essay would be a traditional essay that is typically five paragraphs in length. The first paragraph should introduce the topic and state the student's position / answer to the question. It should contain between three-five (3-5) complete sentences, including the thesis statement for the essay. The second, third, and fourth paragraphs are the body paragraphs. Each body paragraph should contain between three-five (3-5) sentences, including the topic sentence (first sentence of the body paragraph, states a main point that supports the thesis) and at least two-three (2-3) specific examples per main point. The fifth and final paragraph should begin with a restatement of the thesis. It should be three-five (3-5) complete sentences, and include a brief summary/conclusion of the student's answer to the essay question. It is essential, particularly in the survey courses, for students to provide cites and footnotes for their work in untimed exams. Citations must adhere to the Chicago Style format but perfection is not expected. An example of common citations are included on pages four and five of this edition.
Part 1
What were the causes, both long term and immediate, of the American Revolution? Why did tensions between Great Britain and their North American colonies escalate so quickly in the wake of the French & Indian War? Do you believe American independence was inevitable? Why, why not?
Part2
Describe the origination, drafting, and ratification of the United States Constitution. Why did so many believe the Articles of Confederation needed to be replaced? What were the major compromises reached during the drafting of the Constitution, namely in terms of representation and slavery? Why did the Anti-Federalists oppose the Constitution? Finally, it was not long after the ratification of the Constitution before there developing two contending views/philosophies on how America should be governed. George Washington, John Adams, and Alexander Hamilton were leading Federalists, while Thomas Jefferson and James Madison were Democratic-Republicans. What were these competing views on government?
Part3
Less than seventy-five years after the ratification of the Constitution, the United States was at war with itself, for four long and brutal years. The road to the American Civil War was thus a relatively short one. During the years leading up to the outbreak of hostilities, the nation increasingly drifted apart along sectional lines. The root cause of all this division and sectional strife was slavery. What were the major events leading up to the Civil War? How were they related either directly or indirectly to slavery?
Part4
What were the major military, social, and political turning point moments of the American Civil War? Why did the Union ultimately prevail?