DBQ 1: Foundations of American Government

DBQ: Foundations of US Government 

By Isiah Jones

Open Ended

What’s the most important connection you made yesterday between colonial experiences, Enlightenment ideas, and self-government?

• 4 (Advanced): Clear, specific, defensible claim + reasoning

• 3 (Proficient): Clear claim but weak/no reasoning

• 2 (Developing): Generic claim, lacks specificity or reasoning

• 1 (Emerging): Just restates the prompt or no claim

Scoring Levels:

• Make a historically accurate claim that answers the prompt

• Show a clear line of reasoning (the “because” or “why”)

• Place it in the intro, 2nd paragraph, or conclusion

What you need to do:

DBQ Rubric: Thesis/Claim

• 4 (Advanced): Full, relevant context clearly connected to prompt

• 3 (Proficient): Context given, but weak or off-target

• 2 (Developing): Mentions something broad, but no explanation

• 1 (Emerging): No attempt at context

Scoring Levels:

• Describe the bigger picture around the topic

• Connect to events before, during, or after the time period

• More than just a phrase – must explain the connection

What you need to do:

DBQ Rubric: DBQ Rubric: Contextualization

• 4 (Advanced): Uses 6 docs + outside evidence to prove claims

• 3 (Proficient): Uses 4 docs + outside evidence

• 2 (Developing): Uses 3+ docs but not tied to argument; weak outside evidence

• 1 (Emerging): Fewer than 3 docs, no argument, no outside evidence

Scoring Levels:

• Use 6 documents AND 1+ piece of outside info to support your argument

What you need to do:

DBQ Rubric: DBQ Rubric: Evidence

• 4 (Advanced): Explains 4+ docs in depth, connects to argument

• 3 (Proficient): Explains 3 docs, but not fully developed

• 2 (Developing): Attempts with 2 docs, shallow or partly wrong

• 1 (Emerging): Just cites docs without explanation, or errors in sourcing

Scoring Levels:

• Explain how/why sources support your argument

• Show awareness of bias, reliability, or POV (HIPPO sourcing)

What you need to do:

DBQ Rubric: DBQ Rubric: Analysis & Reasoning

• ✅ Thesis is historically accurate & defensible
  ✅ Context is connected to the prompt
  ✅ At least 3 supporting arguments are previewed
  ✅ Clear line of reasoning (“because/why”)
  ✅ Written in intro paragraph format

Criteria for Success

• ✍️ Draft your introduction paragraph with:

  • A hook (attention-grabber)

  • Context (set the stage)

  • A thesis statement that includes:

    • Historical context

    • Claim that answers the prompt

    • 3 clear supporting arguments

DBQ Writing Kickoff