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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Nabby marry in 1786?

2. Which city has hopes of becoming the country's permanent capital?

3. Who was Adams especially glad to see?

4. Of what disease does Charles Adams die?

5. What is King George III's demeanor toward Adams in their first formal meeting?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Adams observe about the new America that had emerged in his absence?

2. What were the major challenges that faced Adams in his position as diplomat in London?

3. Explain why keeping peace was a guiding principle for Adams in his presidency?

4. How were the Adamses met when they returned to Boston after living in Europe for so long?

5. What event prompts Abigail to write to Jefferson after 17 years of silence?

6. Explain the poignancy of the deaths of Adams and Jefferson.

7. What were Adams' main points in his presidential inauguration speech in March of 1797?

8. Explain the circumstances of Adams' meeting with King George III in which Adams is rightfully nervous.

9. What were the Adamses first observations of life in London?

10. How could Adams' creed for his life be summed up?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the role of letter-writing between John and Abigail. What is revealed by their letters? What can John not bring himself to say in the letters?

Essay Topic 2

Myths and legends have always surrounded the stories of the Founding Fathers of the United States. How does McCullough's book dispel or validate any such predisposed thoughts. Cite examples of which men are viewed a little differently after reading this book.

Essay Topic 3

Describe John Adams' personality in both his personal and professional interactions. Also cite examples where these traits are beneficial. When are the traits a liability?

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