Social Studies - United States History I
Lesson Plans

U.S. I Strand 4: THE U. S. CONSTITUTION

(Ca. 1781-1789)

American independence brought with it the need for self-government. Dissatisfaction with inadequate early political structures led to the creation of the Constitution. The Constitutional Convention brought together the greatest political minds of the fledgling nation. Through debate and compromise, the Founding Fathers brought together in a unique way the principles and philosophies that had been theorized and tested for centuries. The Bill of Rights was then added, enumerating the rights of American citizens. In the end, the Constitution and Bill of Rights created the structure of a government that has functioned, survived crises, and evolved for over two centuries, affecting the life of every citizen today.

Possible Guiding Questions to Consider:

• What were the problems that led to the calling of a Constitutional Convention?
• What is the evidence that Enlightenment philosophies, the Articles of Confederation, Shays' rebellion, the Constitutional Convention, the Great Compromise, and the ratification debate all influenced the creation of the Constitution?
• What vision of civic virtue is evident in the Constitution?
• How does a compound constitutional republic balance state and federal powers?
• Why is James Madison sometimes referred to as "the Father of the Constitution"?
• What is the role of compromise in political processes?
• How has the U.S. Constitution influenced political structures around the world?
• In what ways can the U.S. Constitution be considered an exceptional document?

U.S. I Standard 4.1:

Students will explain how the ideas, events, and compromises which led to the development and ratification of the Constitution are reflected in the document itself.

• "A Glorious Liberty Document": The U.S. Constitution and Its Principles
  How are the republican principles of limited government, separation of powers, and checks and balances reflected in the U.S. Constitution?
• A Classroom Constitutional Convention
  This lesson plan outlines a way that students can have a mock Constitutional convention. They will read and discuss the four plans of government proposed at the convention and discuss the points that were compromised to create the U.S. Constitution.
• A Lesson Plan for Independence Day, the Fourth of July
  Independence Day, commonly referred to as the Fourth of July, is a time to remember and appreciate our heritage of a democratic form of government and to reflect on our country's fundamental principles. The following lesson for high school students and youth groups is designed to respond to Jefferson's call to "educate...the whole mass of the people" and Mason's call to refer to fundamental principles. It concludes with an opportunity to add one's signature to those of the Founders of this nation who signed the original documents. We hope you have a pleasant Fourth of July and find this lesson plan useful with your students.
• Actions of the First Congress
  Students should have a solid foundation of the regional differences in the former colonies, now states, as well as an understanding of the ratification of the Constitution. This Lesson is best used after students have read The Constitutional Convention and The Ratification Debate on the Constitution Narratives in Chapter 3. The James Madison and the Bill of Rights Narrative in Chapter 4 can be used as background for the Lesson or can be assigned as homework after the Lesson to reinforce main ideas.
• Ancient Republics and European Charters
  In this lesson, students will compare and contrast excerpts from The Republic of Plato and selected Federalist Papers by James Madison to determine in what ways Madison agreed and disagreed with Plato, regarding human nature the proper role of government in a society. What influence did Plato have on James Madison and the writers of the Constitution? In what ways did they agree? In what ways did they disagree?
• Constitution Day Scavenger Hunt with 60-Second Civics
  Fifty-five delegates were present at the Constitutional Convention, which was held in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787. Most students can identify George Washington, James Madison, and maybe even Alexander Hamilton. But what about the other fifty-two delegates? Who were they? How did they influence the convention? In this lesson students will familiarize themselves with the delegates by listening to a series of 60-Second Civics podcast episodes devoted to the Framers of the Constitution.

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http://www.uen.org - in partnership with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Utah System of Higher Education (USHE).  Send questions or comments to USBE Specialist - Robert  Austin and see the Social Studies website. For general questions about Utah's Core Standards contact the Director - Jennifer  Throndsen.

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