Answer Key

Founders and the Constitution: In Their Own Words—Volume 2

2. Contexta. Thomas Paine wrote this

document.b. This document was written in

1776.c. The audience of this document

was the Continental Army andall of the American people.

d. This document was written toinspire the troops, raise morale,and increase support for therevolutionary cause.

Handout D—Analysis:

Paine and Civic Values2. If you get something too easily, you

don’t appreciate it. Hard work, indus-try, and gratitude

3. I am asking everyone to join togetherin this fight. Unity, loyalty, andunselfishness

4. Don’t depend upon God’s intervention,but act yourself. Integrity and honesty

5. It is silly to think that an unjust armywill show kindness. Circumspectionand wisdom

6. It is as bad to lie as it is to physicallyharm. Courage, wisdom, andperseverance

Benjamin RushHandout A—Benjamin Rush

(1745–1813)1. Rush served as a delegate to the Conti-

nental Congress and was a signer ofthe Declaration of Independence. Hewas also a delegate to the Pennsylvaniaratifying convention.

2. Rush encouraged (1) the abolition ofslavery, (2) free education for all,(3) education for women, (4) treatmentof alcoholism and tobacco addiction asdiseases, (5) humane treatment of thementally ill.

3. President John Adams appointed Rushas Treasurer of the U.S. Mint.

4. Students may cite his academic achieve-ments, his early advocacy for revolu-tion and abolition of slavery, his interestin public education for all, and advance-ments made in medical treatments.

5. Students may say that challengingaccepted ideas is the only real way tobring about change. Progress dependson people being willing to take on thestatus quo. Disadvantages to advanc-ing novel ideas might include beinglabeled as a “radical” or earning a con-troversial reputation.

Handout B—Vocabulary and

Context Questions1. Vocabulary

a. attitudesb. nurturersc. uniformd. understandablee. effectivef. taught by repetitiong. approvalh. mutual

2. Contexta. This document was written in

1798.b. Benjamin Rush wrote this

document.c. This is a persuasive essay.d. This document’s purpose was

to express the need for—and todefine—a new, national modeof education for the newly cre-ated republic.

Handout C—In His Own Words:

Benjamin Rush on Education1. The new American government requires

a new form of education to preparechildren for their duties as citizens.

2. Because the people of Pennsylvaniacome from such diverse backgrounds,a uniform system of education willmake people more alike, and thereforebetter able to live under a uniform andpeaceful government.

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Answer Key

Answer Key

3. Religion is needed to teach virtue, andvirtue is required for the liberty ofrepublican society.

4. Citizens must actively participate inrepublican government, which is notthe case in monarchies.

5. History, commerce, and economicsshould be taught.

6. In addition to regular female educationsubjects, women should learn aboutgovernment. As wives and mothers,they are men’s support systems, andthey mold young children into repub-lican citizens.

7. Religion, liberty, and learning are insep-arable, and have immeasurable positiveeffects on the happiness of society.

Handout D—Analysis: Contrasting

Ideas of EducationSuggested answers for goals of educationin Rush’s time: a homogeneous society;creating citizens who can participate inrepublican government; instilling virtue;teaching history, commerce, and eco-nomics; preparing girls for the roles aswives and mothers; mixing religion andlearning; creating a happy society.

GeorgeWashingtonHandout A—George Washington

(1732–1799)1. Washington’s great character was

respected by all. He looked the part ofa warrior, standing well over six feet talland possessing a martial demeanor. Hewas a Virginian, and his appointmentto command an army made up largelyof New Englanders rallied southernersto the Patriot cause. Also, as a legislator,he had the confidence of the Congress,who knew that he would ensure mili-tary obedience to civilian authority.

2. Washington admired Cato and Cincin-natus. Cato was a Roman who diedresisting the tyranny of Julius Caesar.

Washington also emulated the legendaryCincinnatus. He was a Roman farmerwho was called upon to take commandof the republic’s armies and repel Rome’senemies. After helping to secure victory,Cincinnatus put down his sword andbecame a farmer once more.

3. Mount Vernon was a crossroads forpolitical discussion during the 1780s.Prominent guests, such as James Madi-son and Gouverneur Morris, spenthours in conversation with Washing-ton about the state of the young nation.During these talks, Washington becameconvinced that the Articles of Confed-eration needed revision.

4. Students might mention the followingevents: the Newburgh Conspiracy,Washington’s leadership of the Conti-nental Army, his attendance at the Con-stitutional Convention, his acceptanceof the presidency.

5. Lee meant that Washington was alwaysa leader. Washington commanded theContinental Army during the Revolu-tionary War and was primarily respon-sible for the success of the cause. Healso led Americans in peace, presidingat the Constitutional Convention andserving as the nation’s first president.Washington was certainly “first in thehearts of his countrymen,” beloved bynearly all Americans.

Handout B—Vocabulary and

Context Questions1. Vocabulary

a. purposefully designedb. effectivec. freely maded. passive compliancee. taskedf. requiredg. assume beforehandh. broadi. strengthj. absolutely necessary

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