Part iii
document-based question
this question is based on the accompanying documents. the question is designed to test your
ability to work with historical documents. some of these documents have been edited for the
purposes of this question. as you analyze the documents, take into account the source of each
document and any point of view that may be presented in the document. keep in mind that the
language used in a document may reflect the historical context of the time in which it was written.
historical context:
in the early years of the republic, various controversial issues divided the american
people. three such issues were ratification of the constitution, purchase of the
louisiana territory, and expansion of slavery into the territories.
task: using the information from the documents and your knowledge of united states
history, answer the questions that follow each document in part a. your answers to
the questions will you write the part b essay in which you will be asked to
choose two issues mentioned in the historical context and for each
• describe the historical circumstances surrounding the issue
• discuss arguments of those in favor of and of those opposed to the issue.
in your discussion, include at least one argument on each side of the issue.