General Essay Topics
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION (1775-1783)
THE MAGNA CARTA (1215)
5th and 6th Grades
Pretend you are an Overmountain man in the Western part of North Carolina during the American Revolution. You have volunteered to fight at the Battle of King’s Mountain on 7 October 1780; following the Battle you have continued to maintain a diary about your experiences. Your diary should tell of the weather conditions, the men who were with you, why you joined the group and other interesting challenges you may have experienced. Include in your account why the Battle turned the tide of the American Revolution.
7th and 8th Grades
Fifty-Six men signed the Declaration of Independence and pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.
Choose two of the following signers and describe their fate during the American Revolution. If you had been one of the signers, discuss the reasons for your commitment to the new Nation.
Carter Braxton, VA Francis Lewis, NY John Hart, NJ Josiah Bartlett, NH Lewis Morris, NY
Philip Livingston, NY George Walton, GA Thomas Lynch, SC John Penn, NC William Paca, MD
9th Grade
North Carolina Continental and Militia troops fought with Washington at Brandywine, Monmouth and during the Southern Campaign. The State was twice invaded: Moore’s Creek, 27 February 1776 and Guilford Court House, 15 March 1781. Why were these two Battles turning points during the American Revolutionary War? Explain the significance of these battles. Defend you conclusion.
10th Grade
North Carolina did not take part in the first election in the organization of the new government following the dissolution of the Confederation. Review and discuss the social, economic and political conflicts within the State and explain why the populace feared the debts incurred by North Carolina during the American Revolution. Under what conditions did North Carolina sign the U.S. Constitution?
11th and 12th Grades
Sir Edward Coke stated in 1628, “Magna Carta is such a fellow that he will have not sovereign.” Civilized societies believe there is an alliance between law and liberty and with every right there is individual responsibility. Study the following documents: 1215 Magna Charta and modified and changed (1216, 1217, 1225, 1297 and 1327), Petition of Right 1628, the English Bill of Rights 1689 and the 17 September 1787 United States Constitution. It would also be nice to study some of the thinking of: Sir Edward Coke (1552-1634), Sir William Blackstone (1723-1780) and philosopher John Locke (1632-1704). Do you agree or disagree with the statement, “Without law there is no liberty” and with every right there is individual responsibility? Support your conclusion with facts from these documents and examples from your own understanding in your life.
darchnc 