55 Hamilton the Musical As History: Federalists Vs. Democratic-Republicans

#55 Hamilton the Musical as History: Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans

Hamilton's Immigrant StoryComprehension Questions (Answer 2 out of 3)

1.Miranda states that Alexander Hamilton, “by sheer force of will and intellect, changed our country forever.” List Alexander Hamilton’s achievements as a founding father.

2.Are there any aspects of Hamilton’s life that distinguish his achievements from those of other founding fathers?

3.How did Hamilton write “his way out of his circumstances?” Explain these circumstances and the steps he took to change them.

Critical Thinking Questions (Choose 1 of 3)

1.Out of all of Hamilton’s contributions to the nation, which would you argue is the most valuable? Explain why.

2.Do you agree with Miranda’s father’s statement—that immigrants have to work much harder to succeed in their reality? Support your argument with examples.

3.Do you believe it is possible in the present day to write one’s way out of adverse circumstances, as Alexander Hamilton did? Provide one example to support your argument for or against the statement.

Your Answer to # __

Reconciling History: Founding FathersComprehension Questions (Choose 3 out of 5)

3rd-5th on the backside

1. How would you describe Mt. Vernon?

2. How does Christopher Jackson feel about playing the role of George Washington in the musical Hamilton?

3. Why do some see the Founding Fathers as flawed and hypocritical?

4. How does the casting in Hamilton attempt to address the flaws of the Founding Fathers?

5. Explain the contribution made by George Washington when he leaves his role as the President and returns to Mt. Vernon.

Critical Thinking Questions (Choose 2 out of 4)

1. Why might it be valuable to see historical figures as real people?

2. How does theater provide a valuable way to explore and reflect on history?

3. Given that owning slaves was normal during the time in which Thomas Jefferson and George Washington lived, should they be judged based on our standards today? Why or why not?

4. How should we view the legacy of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson?

Federalist Papers Discussion Questions (Answer 2 out of 3):

1. In his infamous 6-hour speech at the Constitutional Convention, what did Alexander Hamilton’s version of the new US government look like?

2. Why do you think Hamilton’s proposal at the Convention was so controversial at the time?

3. Briefly explain what the Federalist Papers are—who were the authors? What is there significance to the US Constitution?

Secretary of TreasuryComprehension Questions: (Choose 2 of 3)

1. Explain how President Washington shaped the Executive Branch of the United States government.

2. Why did the creators of Hamilton choose to have Thomas Jefferson sing jazz?

3. Describe what author Ron Chernow means when he states that Hamilton created much of the federal government “from scratch.”

Critical Thinking Questions (Choose 1 of 2)

1. Explain what President Obama means when he states that the founding fathers were “flying by the seats of their pants."

2. Explain why Senator Elizabeth Warren expresses concern about the “concentration of wealth” Hamilton’s system has created.

Your Answer to #_

Compromise of 1790 Comprehension Questions (Answer all 3)

1. Describe the fundamental ideological differences between Hamilton and Jefferson.

2.Based on the clip, and your knowledge of US History, explain what you understand about Hamilton’s state debt plan and how he believed it would benefit the American economy.

3. Based on what is shown in the clip, and your knowledge of US History, how was the compromise reached between Hamilton and Jefferson, and who were the key historical figures involved?