THEMATIC ESSAY QUESTION
Directions: Write a well-organized essay that includes an introduction, several paragraphs addressing the task below, and a conclusion.
Theme:
Influence of Geographic Factors on Governmental Actions
Actions taken by the United States government have often been influenced by
geographic factors. Some of these factors include location, climate, natural
resources, and physical features.
Task:
Identify two actions taken by the United States government that have been
influenced by geographic factors and for each
• State one reason the United States took the action
• Describe how a geographic factor influenced the action
• Discuss the impact of the action on the United States
You may use any action taken by the United States government that was influenced by a
geographic factor. Some suggestions you might wish to consider include the Lewis and Clark expedition (1804–1806), issuance of the Monroe Doctrine (1823), Mexican War (1846–1848), Commodore Perry’s opening of Japan (1853), passage of the Homestead Act (1862), purchase of Alaska (1867), construction of the Panama Canal (1904–1914), entry into World War II (1941), passage of the Interstate Highway Act (1956), and involvement in the Persian Gulf War (1991).
You are not limited to these suggestions.
Guidelines:
In your essay, be sure to:
• Develop all aspects of the task
• Support the theme with relevant facts, examples, and details
• Use a logical and clear plan of organization, including an introduction and a conclusion that are beyond a restatement of the theme
