The five questions in this worksheet are based upon the following prompt: 

Discuss the key political changes in the United States between 1770 and 1850.

Remember that political means more than just “presidential” or “governmental” and most definitely includes civics and political engagement on the part of citizens.

Be sure to keep this prompt in mind for each of the questions in the worksheet.

Question 1 

Brainstorm/scattershoot and list at least 10 concepts/detailed facts/historical evidence about key changes in government from 1770 to 1850. Make sure that you provide a mixture of big picture concepts and specific detailed facts (not all one or the other).

Question 2

Brainstorm/scattershoot and list at least 10 concepts/detailed facts/historical evidence about concepts of citizenship, civics, and political rights of Americans from 1770-1850. Make sure that you provide a mixture of big picture concepts and specific detailed facts (not all one or the other).

Question 3 

Look at the lists you created in the first two questions and consider the prompt.  Identify three broad categories that you could develop in writing an essay over the prompt.  These will be the three key points of your thesis and each key point will then be developed more fully in its own paragraph in the body (rule of three analytical essay style).  Therefore, you should pick key concepts that you have the most evidence for and which most directly address the prompt.  Here is where concept mapping might come in handy.

To answer this question, simply list (by number) your three broad categories

Question 4 

Now write a proper rule of three thesis statement using the three broad categories you identified in the previous question.

Question 5 

Choose ONE of the key points from your thesis statement in the previous question. Now you need to think about the paragraph of the body you will write about this key point.  Remember that the first sentence in a body paragraph will be the thesis statement about the key point. It should give the big picture argument and provide change over time analysis.  Then you should have a minimum of three supporting pieces of evidence for your argument.  Again, you must have a change over time analysis as you explain how your evidence supports your argument.

In the answer box below, I want you to provide the following information to outline your paragraph (be sure to number your evidence in your answer):

Thesis statement of paragraph:  

Evidence 1:

Explanation of how Evidence 1 supports your argument (no more than 2 sentences):

Evidence 2:

Explanation of how Evidence 2 supports your argument (no more than 2 sentences):

Evidence 3:

Explanation of how Evidence 3 supports your argument (no more than 2 sentences):