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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. Of what disease does Charles Adams die?

2. Who becomes a threat to U.S. shipping and trade?

3. Who designed the layout for the new federal capital?

4. How long had Adams lived overseas at the time he returns home in 1788?

5. ____________________ is eulogized as "first in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen."

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What was the state of the country when Adams turned it over to Jefferson?

3. Explain why the Alien and Sedition Acts were so critical at this time when war with France was possibly imminent.

4. In what ways did Jefferson undo Adams' accomplishments as president?

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

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

7. What were the circumstances of Abigail's death?

8. How could the first half of Adams' administration be described?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Describe the poignancy of Adams and Jefferson both dying on the same day--the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Were there deaths a sign of divine approval and acceptance of the men as they were eulogized? Explain your perspective on the irony of the day's events.

Essay Topic 3

Abigail Adams was a strong woman and well-positioned for John and the new United States. What was her influence on her husband? What was her position on slavery? What was her position on women's rights? How was she ahead of her time? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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