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 4.4:

Students will use evidence to explain how the Constitution is a transformative document that contributed to American exceptionalism.

• "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 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.
• An "Apple of Gold" in a "Picture of Silver": The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution
  What is the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution? How do these Founding documents reflect common republican principles?
• To Amend or Not to Amend, That's Been the Question…Many Times
  This lesson asks students to examine recent proposed amendments to the U.S. Constitution, analyze them for public policy triggering mechanisms, and compare and contrast them to amendments that have been ratified.

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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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