Alexander Hamilton
Where was Alexander Hamilton born?
Nevis (in the Caribbean)
What does Hamilton mean when he says “I am not throwing away my shot”?
He refuses to waste his opportunity to make a difference.
What type of government did King George III rule under?
Monarchy
“We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created ___.”
equal
Direct quote from the Declaration of Independence — highlights missing voices (women, enslaved people).
What department did Alexander Hamilton lead in George Washington’s Cabinet?
The Department of the Treasury — he was the first Secretary of the Treasury.
What tragedy happened to Hamilton when he was young?
His mother died and his father abandoned him.
What historical event is this song leading toward?
The American Revolution.
A monarchy is ruled by one person — what do we call a government ruled by the people?
Democracy or Republic
“You’ll be back, soon you’ll see, you’ll remember you belong to ___.”
me – King George’s view of monarchy vs. the colonies’ fight for self-government.
What U.S. bill is Alexander Hamilton featured on today?
The $10 bill — honoring his role in building America’s financial system.
What does “In New York, you can be a new man” symbolize?
The colonies (especially New York) offered new opportunities for people to reinvent themselves.
What word describes Hamilton’s attitude in the song — hopeful, lazy, or ambitious?
Ambitious.
Explain why?
In Hamilton, the colonists are upset they have “no voice.” What civic principle were they fighting for?
Representation / Self-Government
“He’s at the Constitutional ____________… I was chosen for the Constitutional ___.”
Convention
Direct connection to the creation of the Constitution, civic compromise, and federalism.
Bonus:200 points: Who was chosen for the Constitutional Convention?
Hamilton believed in creating a strong national economy. What modern institution continues his work managing the nation’s money?
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve System.
What famous general and leader does Hamilton later work for?
George Washington.
What advice does Burr give Hamilton in the song?
“Talk less, smile more.”
What famous phrase describes the colonists’ anger about unfair taxes?
“No taxation without representation!”
“The art of the ___.”
compromise
Key civics concept — balancing interests to make laws and policies.
Give one example of how this concept is still used in our government today
Hamilton helped establish the U.S. Coast Guard. What is its role in today’s government?
It protects U.S. waters, enforces maritime laws, and secures national borders — still under the Department of Homeland Security.
What city did Hamilton move to when he came to the colonies?
New York City
How does this song relate to the Declaration of Independence?
It shares the same belief in freedom and equality.
What type of government did the colonists want to replace the king’s rule with after the Revolution?
A democratic republic where power comes from the people
“Hamilton wrote the other ___.”
51
Out of 85 Federalist Papers, Hamilton wrote 51 — shaping public support for ratifying the Constitution.
Hamilton wrote most of the Federalist Papers. How do these writings influence government today?
They are still used by the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution and federal powers.