For this paper, you will explore the complicated nature of the American nation from 1607 to 1877 by focusing on one of the following groups and examine how their changing roles reflected the limitations and contradictions of the term "of the people" between two of three periods.

Choose one group:

Native Americans (both men and women)

Africans and African Americans (both men and women)

White women

Choose two of the following three time periods:

1607-1781, Colonial to the Revolution War

1790-1865, Early Republic to Civil War

1865-1877, Reconstruction

Defining what constitutes the American nation, historically, is more difficult than it might at first seem. As the country grew more democratic, one of the central problems to be resolved was determining which groups constituted "of the people" that the government would represent. Should it include all persons, or only white men? The term "the people," evolved as the America grew and expanded.

For this paper, you will explore the complicated nature of the American nation from 1607 to 1877 by focusing on one group during two periods of time, while examining how their changing roles reflected the limitations and contradictions of the term "of the people." You will use the group and time periods that you chose in the Week Two Assignment.

The paper must be five to seven pages in length (excluding title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style.

You must use at least four scholarly sources, two for each period of time, other than the textbook to support your argument, all of which must come from the Ashford University Library. You also must include two primary sources that you can also find in the Ashford University Library. Cite your resources in text and on the reference page. For information regarding APA samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center, located within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar.

Writing the Final Paper

The Final Paper:

Must be five to seven double-spaced pages in length (excluding title and reference pages), and formatted according to APA

style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Must include a title page with the following:

Title of paper

Student's name

Course name and number

Instructor's name

Date submitted

Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.

Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.

Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.

Must use at least four scholarly sources, two for each period chosen, all of which must come from the Ashford University Library.

Must use two primary sources, which must come from Ashford University Library.

Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.