The 1990 AP US History (APUSH) exam included a document-based question (DBQ) that required students to analyze and synthesize historical documents in order to write an essay about a specific topic. The DBQ for the 1990 APUSH exam focused on the period between 1775 and 1800, a time of significant political and social upheaval in the United States as the nation struggled to gain independence from Great Britain and establish itself as a new and independent nation.
The documents provided in the 1990 APUSH DBQ covered a range of topics, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Federalist Papers. These documents provided students with a wealth of information about the founding of the United States and the debates and discussions that took place during this period.
One of the key themes of the 1990 APUSH DBQ was the concept of democracy and the role it played in the founding of the United States. The Declaration of Independence, for example, famously stated that "all men are created equal" and declared that the purpose of government is to protect the natural rights of its citizens. This idea of democracy, in which all individuals are treated equally and have a say in the decisions that affect their lives, was a revolutionary concept at the time and helped to shape the early years of the United States.
Another important theme of the 1990 APUSH DBQ was the role of the Constitution in shaping the new nation. The Constitution, which was ratified in 1787, established the federal government and outlined its powers and responsibilities. It also outlined the rights and protections afforded to citizens, including the right to a fair trial and freedom of speech. The Federalist Papers, a series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, argued for the adoption of the Constitution and provided a detailed explanation of its provisions.
Overall, the 1990 APUSH DBQ provided students with a wealth of information about the early years of the United States and the debates and discussions that took place as the nation struggled to establish itself as a new and independent country. It offered insights into the ideas and values that shaped the nation's founding and helped to shape its political and social landscape for years to come.
