Write an essay that includes an introduction, several paragraphs addressing a theme and task, and a conclusion. In your essay be sure to develop all aspects of the task. Support the theme with relevant bibliography, notes, facts, primary documents, examples, and details. Use a logical and clear plan of organization. In developing your essay keep these in mind: describe means to illustrate something in words or tell about it; discuss means to make observations about something using facts, reasoning and argument; to present in some detail. You may include your personal life experiences in a paragraph that is relevant to the theme and task.

Theme 1: Government (Congressional Legislation)
Throughout United States history, Congress has passed legislation to address important social and economic issues.  These laws have often had a significant impact on the United States and/or on American society.
Task: Select two pieces of legislation passed by the United States Congress and for each one chosen do the following: (1) describe the historical circumstances that led to the passage of the legislation (2) discuss the impact of the law on the United States and/or on American society.
You may use any congressional legislation that was intended to address an important issue. Some suggestions you might wish to consider include: Interstate Highway Act (1954), Civil Rights Act (1964), Voting Rights Act (1965), Title IX of the Education Amendments (1972), North American Free Trade Agreement (1992), and USA Patriot Act (2001)

Theme 2: Geography – Territorial Acquisition
Throughout the nation’s history, the United States has expanded through the acquisition of new territories. These acquisitions have had both positive and negative effects on the United States.
Task: Select two territories acquired by the United States and for each do the following: (1) describe the historical circumstances that led the United States to acquire the territory (2) Discuss positive and/or negative effects of the acquisition of this territory on the United States.
You may use any territory acquired by the United States since 1865. Some suggestions you might wish to consider include: Alaska (1867), Hawaii (1898), Puerto Rico (1899).

Theme 3: United  States Foreign Policy
United States presidents often make foreign policy decisions in an attempt to deal with international problems. These decisions have had an impact on both the United States and on other countries or regions.

Task: Select two presidential foreign policy decisions and for each do the following: (1) Describe the historical circumstances surrounding the decision (2) Discuss an impact of the decision on the United States (3) Discuss an impact of the decision on another country or region

You may use any presidential foreign policy decision that dealt with and international problem from your study of United States history since 1898. Some suggestions you might wish to consider include: William McKinley deciding to annex the Philippines (1898), Woodrow Wilson asking for a declaration of war (1917), Harry Truman deciding to use the atomic bomb (1945), John F. Kennedy quarantining of Cuba (1962), Lyndon B. Johnson sending combat troops to Vietnam (1965-1968), Richard Nixon improving relations with China (1972), George H. W. Bush sending troops to Kuwait (1990-1991), and George W. Bush sending troops to Iraq (2003).

Theme 4: Individuals, Groups, institutions- Writing and Reform
Throughout United States history, individuals have used writing as a way to focus attention on issues facing the American people. To resolve the issues raised in these writings, actions have been taken by the government, groups, or individuals.

Task: Select two pieces of writing that have focused attention on issues facing American society and for each one chosen do the following: (1) Describe the historical circumstances surrounding the issue addressed by the author (2) Discuss an action taken by the government or a group or an individual in response to the issue raised by the author.

You may use any piece of writing from your study of United States history that focuses attention on an issue facing American society. Some suggestions may include: How the Other Half Lives by Jacob Riis (1890), “ I, Too, Sing America” by Langston Hughes (1925), The Other America by Michael Harrington (1962)d, Silent Spring by Rachel Carson (1962), The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan (1963) and “ Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. (1963).

Theme 5: Technology
Throughout United States history, technological developments have played an important role in transforming American society. These developments have led to positive and/or negative effects on the United States and American society.
Task: Select two technological developments that have transformed American society. Describe the change brought about by the technological development. Discuss the positive and/or negative effects this technological development has had on the United States and/or American society.
You may use any technological developments that has transformed American life. Some you may consider include: (1) Automobile- population distribution (1920-1980), (2) Nuclear energy-practical or military applications (1940-present), (3) Television-political campaigns (1960-present).

Theme 6: Change- Constitutional Amendments
When the framers of the United States Constitution, they included the amendment process. The amendments that have been passed brought political, social, and economic changes to American society.

Task: Select two constitutional amendments that have changed American society and for each do the following: Describe the historical circumstances that led to the adoption of the amendment. Discuss the political, social, and/or economic changes the amendments brought to American society.

You may use any constitutional amendments that have changed American society. Some suggestions you might wish to consider include the following: 14th amendment (citizenship of African Americans), 17th amendments (direct election of senators, 1913), 18th amendment (Prohibition, 1919), 19th amendment (women’s suffrage, 1920), 22nd amendment (presidential term limits, 1951), 24th amendment (elimination of the poll tax, 1964) and 26th amendment (suffrage for 18 year old citizens, 1971