APUSH LEQ Scoring Activity #1

Four “formula following” essays. Would you award all six points to any of the four?

For this activity, imagine that you have been hired by College Board as a reader and asked to score each of the four “formula following” essays that appear below. Would you award all six points to any of the four?

E1: Evaluate the extent to which transportation in the United States changed in the period from 1865–1898.

Before 1865, persons living in the United States were typically transported from place to place by foot. They were also transported by horse, horse-drawn cart, horse-drawn carriage, horse-drawn wagon, horse-drawn street car, steampowered train (especially in the northeast and to some extent in the south), and by sailboat, steamboat, canoe, raft, and horse-drawn canal boat. To a great extent, transportation in the U.S. changed from 1865 to 1898. During this period of time railroads expanded, (2) bycyles became more popular and affordable, and (3) eletricity-powered transportation was born.

This thesis is supported by the the fact that during this perod of time America completed constuction on its first transcontinental railroad (completed after the Civil War) and by the growth and development of the American railroad network that followed. This network spread to parts of America that had not yet been settled or developed, made it easier for people to be transported long distances faster than before, and helped to unite the country.

This thesis is also supported by the fact that the cable car was invented between 1865–1898 and put into widespread use in San Francisco AND the fact that the electric streetcar was developed during this time period, quickly becoming a popular means of transportation in the US. Both cable cars and electric powered street cars were preferred over horse-drawn streetcars because they were faster, more efficient, and produced less pollution.

This thesis is also supported by the fact that during this time period the chain-driven bicycle and pneumatic tire were invented, both resulting in the growth and development of the American bicycle industry. Bikes built during this period of time were much more practical and affordable than earlier models. They were also, thanks to the pneumatic tire, much more comfortable to ride on. Hence the popularity of bikes built during this time grew rapidly. By the 1880s, the bicycle had become a popular form of transportation and leisure in the United States, going from a novelty to a popular and practical form of transportation.

While it is true that transportation in the United States changed to a great in the period from 1865 to 1898, it is important to note that these changes were not always positive. The construction of the railroads, for example, often came at a high cost, including the displacement of Native American communities and the exploitation of Chinese immigrant labor. Additionally, the rise of the railroad industry led to the decline of other forms of transportation, such as horse-drawn stagecoaches, steamboats, and horse-drawn canal boats. Additionally, the cost of rail travel was often prohibitively expensive for many Americans, making it difficult for them to take advantage of the increased mobility afforded by the railroad. It’s also important to note that during this time period, many rural areas, particularly in the South, were not served by the railroad, making it difficult for residents in these areas to access the economic and social opportunities afforded by the railroad.

E2. Evaluate the extent to which the ratification of the US Constitution changed what the federal government could do in the period from 1789–1829.

Before the ratification of the Constitution, Americans were governed by the Articles of Confederation. Created after the colonists declared independence, this document established a government where the state’s power is greater than the federal power (aka a confederation). Under this government, the feds lacked the power to tax, regulate commerce, enforce laws passed by the Congress, borrow money, and print money. On the other hand, the feds did have the power to make treaties, wage war, and manage relations with Native Americans. Nonetheless, its fair to say that under the Articles most of the power was left in the hands of the states. To a great extent, the ratification of the US Constitution changed what the federal government could do in the period from 1788 to 1829. During this period, the federal government courld, for the first time, (1) levy taxes and regulate commerce, (3) establishe a unified foreign policy, and (3) declare laws passed by the legisltative branch and acts of the executive branch unconstituoinal.

This thesis is supported by the fact that Article I of the Constitution expressly provided the legislative branch of the federal government (the Congress) with the power to tax the citizens and to regulate commerce, which the federal government could not do under the Articles of Confederation. This allowed the federal government to raise revenue and, with that money, to invest in things that would benefit the entire nation (roads, buildings, bridges, the purchase of large swaths of land, the military, etc.

This thesis is also supported by the fact that Article II of the Constituion granted the President the power to make treaties with foreign nations, subject to Senate approval. This power allows the federal government to engage in diplomacy with foreign governments and negotiate treaties that are binding on the United States as a whole. This power differed significantly from the Articles of Confederation, which preceded the Constitution and provided for a weak national government. Under the Articles, the individual states had the power to conduct their own foreign policy and negotiate treaties with foreign governments. This led to a lack of coherence in the United States’ foreign relations, as foreign governments often found it difficult to deal with the individual states, each of which had its own priorities and interests.

This thesis is also supported by the fact that Article III of the Constituion was interpreted by the Suprme Court during this period of time, in the case of Marbury v. Madison, to provide the courts with the power of judicial review, (aka the power to declare laws of the Congress and acts of the Legisluatre in violation of the Constitution._)This power of judicial review was a significant departure from the Articles of Confederation, which had not provided for any independent judiciary to check the power of the legislative or executive branch.

While it is true that the ratification of the US Constitution to a great extent changed what the federal government could do in the period from 1788 to 1820, it is important to note that the attempt to ratify the constitution and establish a new federal government was not without major challenges. For starters, not everyone agreed that the constitution should be ratified. In fact, there was significant resistance from Anti-Federalists (who believed that the constitution would result in a concentration of power in the hands of those who led the federal government), with this concentration surely to lead to an unwillingness of the leaders to protect the rights of individuals. In fact, the Constitution wouldn’t even have been ratified were it not for the adoption of the Bill of Rights. This Bill of Rights, the anti-Federalists believed, addressed these concerns, and thereby resulted in their finally agreeing to vote in favor of ratification.

E3: Evaluate the extent to which communication in the United States changed in the period from 1865 to 1898.

Before 1865, Communication in the United States was primarily reliant on physical transportation of messages by horse, stagecoach, or boat. Postal services were available but limited in scope and frequency. Newspapers were an important source of information, but their distribution was also limited to major cities. Telegraph technology began to emerge in the mid-1800s, enabling faster long-distance communication. However, its use was limited and expensive, primarily used for business and government purposes. To a great extent, communication in the United States changed from 1865 and 1898. During this period of time, communication improved in terms of (1) speed, (2) accessibility, and (3) convenience.

This thesis is supported by the fact that the telegraph network expanded rapidly during this time, allowing messages to be transmitted across the country in a matter of hours. The use of Morse code also helped to speed up communication by allowing for more efficient transmission of messages.

This thesis is also supported by the fact that during this period of time the telephone was invented, making communication more accessible to the general public. While initially limited to urban areas, the spread of telephone lines across the country meant that people in even the most remote locations could communicate with each other.

This thesis is also supported by the fact that during this period of time there were several invoation in printing press technology (the linotype machine for example), which made it possible for newspapers to print more quickly and at a lower cost, which helped to fuel the growth of the newspaper industry. Mass circulation magazines and advertising (the Sears Robuck Catalogue, for exampel) also made it easier for people to connect with each other and share information about products and services.

This thesis is also supported by the fact that during this period of time, the first transcontinental railroad was constructed and the American railroad network expanded greately, contributed to the improved communication. The railroad allowed for faster and more efficient transportation of people and goods, which facilitated the growth of the population and the economy.

While it is true that communication changed to a great extent in the period from 1865 to 1898, it is also important to note that the drivers of communication, such as the telephone, radio, and camera were still in its early stages, and thus not widespread or adapted by many until later on in the early 20th century. It was simply between 1865 and 1898 that these innovations were introduced to the public, but their costs, availability, and flaws would take decades to fix, and as such, these technologies had their golden/peak eras later on in the 1900s. This was due to numerous factors, such as an adapting American culture, expanding economy, urbanization, and the population shift of rural areas. Despite the communication sector growing rapidly and thus changing the lives of many, traditional sources such as newspapers, letters, and the postal service were still predominantly utilized for the majority of regular people. Communication technology at the time simply was not designed for everyone, being tailored more towards the high middle and upper class. It sometimes became more of a luxury to own certain communication devices rather than for practicality usage, thus limiting its impact to certain demographics.

E4: Evaluate the extent to which the lives of women changed from 1890–1920.

Before 1890, women in the United States had limited opportunities to participate in public life, and their roles were primarily confined to domestic duties. They had limited access to education and job opportunities, and their legal rights were restricted, especially in terms of the right to vote. Additionally women were generally not allowed to own property, make legal contracts, or control their own earnings. They also had limited rights in marriage, including the inability to initiate divorce in many states. To a great extent, the lives the lives of women changed from 1890–1920. During this period of time, women increasingly (1) moved to the cities, (2) joined volunteer organizations, and (3) attacked economic inequality.

This thesis is supported by the fact that the period from 1890–1920 is often refrerenced as the Secon Industial Revolution, a period of time when way more factories were built in cities throughout America and thus way more men moved, with their women, to the cities to work in these factories.

This thesis is also supported by the fact that from 1890–1920, a significant number of women, for the first time in US history either owned or worked in a settlement house. A settlement house was a community center that provided social services to the urban poor, typically located in impoverished areas of cities. Women played a crucial role in establishing and running these settlement houses, where they provided services such as education, healthcare, and job training to the residents of these communities. Settlement houses were a key part of the Progressive Era’s efforts to address social and economic inequalities, and the women who ran them played a vital role in advocating for reforms and social change.

This thesis is supported by the fact that from 1890–1920, that women activists like Jane Addams and Florence Kelley worked to address economic inequality by advocating for labor reform, child labor laws, and better working condition

While it is true that communication changed to a great extent in the period from 1865 to 1898 o note that these changes did not have an immediate impact on the lives of women in the United States. While women did increasingly move to cities during the Second Industrial Revolution, their opportunities for employment were often limited to low-paying and exploitative factory jobs. In addition, women’s involvement in volunteer organizations and settlement houses, while important, was often limited to activities considered appropriate for women at the time, such as teaching or providing healthcare services. Women activists like Jane Addams and Florence Kelley did work to address economic inequality and advocate for labor reform, but their efforts were often met with resistance and opposition from male-dominated institutions and political structures. Overall, while communication technology did improve during this period, the lives of women in the United States were still largely shaped by the gender norms and social restrictions of the time.

Sidenote #1

What about this “non-formula following” essay? It, too, attempts to respond to the E4 prompt appearing above: “Evaluate the extent to which the lives of women changed from 1890–1920.” Do you think it should receive all six points?

The late 19th and early 20th century marked a period of significant change for women in the United States. Prior to 1890, women had limited opportunities to participate in public life, with their roles largely confined to domestic duties. However, from 1890–1920, their lives underwent a profound transformation, as they increasingly migrated to cities, joined volunteer organizations, and fought against economic inequality.

One of the key factors driving this change was the Second Industrial Revolution, a period characterized by a surge in factory construction in cities across America. This expansion led to a mass migration of both men and women to urban areas, where they found employment in the new factories. Although women’s job opportunities were initially limited to low-paying and exploitative factory jobs, the growing number of women in the workforce marked a significant shift in societal attitudes towards women’s employment.

The establishment of settlement houses during this period also played a vital role in transforming women’s lives. These community centers provided social services to the urban poor, and women played a crucial role in running and establishing them. Women’s involvement in these organizations not only helped to address social and economic inequalities, but also provided them with an opportunity to engage in civic life and develop leadership skills.

Women activists such as Jane Addams and Florence Kelley also worked tirelessly during this period to address economic inequality by advocating for labor reform, child labor laws, and better working conditions. Their efforts were met with significant resistance and opposition from male-dominated institutions and political structures, yet they persisted and ultimately succeeded in bringing about lasting change.

While advancements in communication technology during this period did not have an immediate impact on the lives of women in the United States, the changing societal attitudes towards women’s roles and the growing presence of women in public life marked a significant shift towards gender equality. The lives of women during this period were characterized by resilience, courage, and a willingness to challenge societal norms, setting the stage for continued progress towards gender equality in the decades to come.

Sidenote #2

And what about this “non-formula following” essay? It attempts to respond to the E1 prompt: Evaluate the extent to which transportation in the United States changed in the period from 1865–1898.

The ratification of the US Constitution brought about significant changes to the role and power of the federal government in the period between 1788 and 1829. Prior to its ratification, the Articles of Confederation governed the country, resulting in a weak central government with limited powers. The new Constitution granted the federal government with the power to tax citizens and regulate commerce, which allowed it to generate revenue and invest in national infrastructure and defense. Additionally, the President was given the power to negotiate treaties with foreign nations, creating a unified foreign policy that replaced the fragmented and uncoordinated policies of the individual states under the Articles of Confederation. Finally, the power of judicial review, established by the Supreme Court in Marbury v. Madison, gave the courts the ability to declare laws and acts unconstitutional, checking the power of the legislative and executive branches.

However, the adoption of the Constitution was not without resistance. Anti-Federalists were concerned that the new government would concentrate too much power in the hands of the leaders and fail to protect individual rights. The adoption of the Bill of Rights, which addressed these concerns, was necessary to secure the ratification of the Constitution. Nonetheless, the changes brought about by the Constitution significantly increased the power and role of the federal government in the young nation, setting the stage for its growth and development in the years to come.