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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. Besides it being obvious that several of Sally Hemings' children have a white father, what makes it even more possible that they are Jefferson's?

2. Where is Jefferson the most popular historical figure?

3. What do today's scholars know about this time in Jefferson's life?

4. What pattern do his days at Monticello follow?

5. What is Jefferson's last attempt to save Monticello for his daughter and her children?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ellis feel about the accusations that Jefferson has an illicit affair with his slave, Sally Hemings?

2. What is the most enduring scandal of Jefferson's life?

3. Who are the last two surviving Founding Fathers, and how are they treated?

4. Although Jefferson believes that slavery should be abolished, what does he feel about the issue of equality?

5. How do Jefferson and Adams begin to reconcile their friendship?

6. What role does James Callender play in this scandal?

7. What has happened to Jefferson's and Adam' friendship?

8. Why might it be possible that this affair took place?

9. How is Jefferson's public speaking as president?

10. Why does Ellis believe this affair is out of Jefferson's character?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

After Jefferson's 1775 to 1776 winter retreat to Monticello, he tries unsuccessfully to avoid returning to Philadelphia.

Part 1) Why does he not want to return?

Part 2) What are his tactics for avoiding the return?

Part 3) Where would Jefferson rather be? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Jefferson dies in debt.

Part 1) How does he find himself in debt?

Part 2) What does he do to get out of debt?

Part 3) Why does he have a difficult time changing his lifestyle to get out of debt?

Essay Topic 3

Jefferson very publicly becomes a Francophone while in Paris.

Part 1) What is a Francophone?

Part 2) Why and how is Jefferson a Francophone?

Part 3) How does it affect his opinion of the French?

(see the answer keys)

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