Which principle divides powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of the U.S. government?
The Great Compromise at the Constitutional Convention resolved the dispute over:
The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution primarily to:
Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
What was a significant outcome of the Louisiana Purchase?
The War of 1812 primarily involved the United States and which country?
What was the purpose of the Monroe Doctrine?
What was the main economic difference between the North and South that contributed to the Civil War?
The Emancipation Proclamation declared enslaved people free in which areas?
Who was the commanding general of the Confederate Army during the Civil War?
What was a key turning point in the Civil War that led to a Union victory?
What was the primary goal of Reconstruction after the Civil War?
The 13th Amendment to the Constitution accomplished what?
What were 'Black Codes' designed to do during Reconstruction?
What is the primary role of the judicial branch of the US government?
Define 'federalism' as it applies to the U.S. government.
Explain the concept of 'Manifest Destiny' that influenced U.S. expansion.
Identify two major causes of the American Civil War.
What was the purpose of the Freedmen's Bureau?
Briefly describe the concept of 'popular sovereignty.'
Excerpt from the Gettysburg Address (November 19, 1863)
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
What is the main idea or purpose of President Lincoln's speech at Gettysburg?
Based on the passage and your historical knowledge, what was the historical context in which Lincoln delivered this address?
How does Lincoln connect the sacrifices made at Gettysburg to the foundational principles of the United States, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence?
The United States has faced numerous challenges to its unity and core principles throughout its history. Compare and contrast the challenges to national unity during the formation of the government under the U.S. Constitution (Early Republic) with the challenges of national division and reunion during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. In your essay, discuss the key issues, the actions taken to address them, and the long-term impact on American society and government. Use specific historical evidence to support your argument.