Summer Assignment

PART 1: Political Philosophy

Directions: Complete the guided reading questions for the major players in Western political philosophy & how they influenced the writing of the Declaration of Independence. This will help transition us at the start of the school year to go right into our unit on Political Thought & Foundations of American Government.


  • John Locke, "Second Treatise of Government"
  • Montesquieu, "Spirit of the Laws"
  • Jean Jacques Rousseau, "The Social Contract"
  • Thomas Paine, "Common Sense"
  • Virginia Declaration of Rights/Declaration of Independence
Government Guided Reading Questions.docx
locke - second treatise.pdf
virginia declaration of rights.pdf
montesquieu - spirit of the laws.pdf
rousseau - social contract.pdf
paine - Common_Sense.pdf
declaration of independence.pdf

PART 2: US Constitution Assignment

Directions: Complete the 20 questions on the US Constitution. Finding a copy of the Constitution online is easy; simply type in "US Constitution" onto Google and pick any of the top 5 links.

The Constitution Assignment.docx