Historical Revisionism
Prep the questions listed below. Use a word doc to do so. Your grade will be based on how well you answer the question and use the unit sources to do so. Your answer should be analytical and not just descriptive in nature. This means that it should include a thesis and supporting evidence from the videos, readings and lectures. Be sure to proofread your answer. Sloppy answers that havent been proofread will be marked down. Use single-space, 12-inch font. Your answer should be no longer than 3 pages in length. I will select 2 of the questions below for the exam and you will be required to answer ONE of them. Prepare your essay in advance in a word document so you will only need to copy and paste it into the exam box on the day of the exam. 1. In recent years revisionist historians have produced histories that challenge traditional interpretations of historical figures and events. Use the following to assess how their views of Columbus, the Founding Fathers, & the Constitution differ from more traditional ones. Then, based on your understanding of historical revisionism, assess how modern historians might interpret the actions and presidencies of Lincoln, FDR, and Trump in contrast with more traditional approaches. 2. It could be argued that the founding fathers fear of possible tyranny is why so few expressed powers are given to U.S. presidents in Article II of the Constitution. What are these expressed powers and how and why have presidents been able to increase their power and position since the era of George Washington? Do Executive Orders give modern presidents too much power? Explain and provide examples for your argument. 3. Since the Civil War, it is common for U.S. Presidents to issue executive orders. According to Article II, what gives a president the power to issue executive orders? Under what circumstances have they done so? Select 4 executive order covered in the videos and lectures to assess their impact on Americans, the balance of power of federal branches of government and on the presidency.
