Student Handouts
The Formation of the U.S. Constitution #1
See how much your pupils truly know about the United States Constitution with the first page of a three-resource series on the formation of that document. Class members write responses to three questions about the influence of other...
Curated OER
The Enlightenment in Europe: Ch 22
Why study European Enlightenment? Because our governing forefathers and constitution were shaped by their words and philosophies. Presented here are facts and achievements of 8 different figures from the enlightened era. Also included is...
Pace University
Global History: Enlightenment
The core ideas of the Enlightenment—reason, knowledge, and freedom—represented a rebellion against the despotic control of absolute monarchs. As part of the study of the movement, class members assume the voice or either a monarch or an...
Curated OER
Age of Enlightenment
Studnets compare example of primary documents that have shaped U.S. government and our Constitution.
Curated OER
America: Influenced by the Enlightenment
In this Enlightenment influence study guide worksheet, learners read 5 quotes from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution and then respond to 5 reflection questions.
Curated OER
Chapter 16 (section 3) & 17 – The Enlightenment
In this Enlightenment worksheet, learners read assigned textbook pages regarding the era and respond to 68 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Four Enlightenment Thinkers
High schoolers examine lives, philosophies, and political beliefs of four Enlightenment Thinkers: Baron de Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Thomas Hobbes, and John Locke. Students then work with partner to write short speech from...
National Endowment for the Humanities
James Madison: Madison Was There
Madison was there! Scholars go on a journey to discover the person behind the founding father label as they explore James Madison's role in the formation of the United States government. The culmination is a writing assignment and...
Curated OER
Absolute Monarchs and Constitutional Monarchs
In this absolute monarchs and constitutional monarchs study guide worksheet, learners respond to 15 short answer and fill in the blank questions.
Curated OER
America Influenced by the Enlightenment
In this influence of the Enlightenment on America study guide worksheet, pupils read the notes provided and add notes of their own regarding the frameworks for the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.
Curated OER
The Powers of Government: Montesquieu Student Worksheet
For this Enlightenment worksheet, students read excerpts of The Spirit of the Laws by Montesquieu and then respond to 9 short answer questions.
Curated OER
A Rising People: Ben Franklin and the Americans
Young scholars examine the Enlightenment Era and its philosophies, including philosophers. Students gain an understanding concerning what they new science was and what it led to through a series of lessons and a PowerPoint. the end by...
Curated OER
Ideas in Action
In this United States history worksheet, students utilize a word bank of 10 terms or phrases to answer 10 fill in the blank questions pertaining to ideals that led to forming the U.S. Constitution. A short answer question is included as...
Curated OER
Representation of the Common Citizen From Declaration of Independence to Present
Students create working definition of common citizen, and investigate and discuss important sections of Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other Amendments. Students demonstrate...
Curated OER
The Virtuous Republic
Though only one slide long, this presentation has some great information that could be expanded into a larger slideshow. Covering the "Virtuous Republic" and the ideals therein, the slide includes key terms and concepts that your...
Curated OER
Ideas in Action Word Search
In this United States history word search worksheet, students locate 26 places, names, and terms pertinent to the Enlightenment which are hidden within the word puzzle. A word bank is included.
Curated OER
The French Revolution
Tenth graders explore the events leading up to the French Revolution. In this World History instructional activity, 10th graders participate in a class discussion as the teacher shares a Powerpoint presentation, then the students...
Curated OER
Statue of Liberty: Liberty Enlightening the World
Students explore reasons that people immigrate to the United States. In this Statue of Liberty lesson plan, students read a handout regarding immigration, analyze the poem, "The New Colossus," and complete the provided worksheet activities.
Curated OER
19c European Liberalism
If you'd like to prompt some great discussions in your history class, this presentation will surely get your class talking. Addressing 19th century liberalism in Europe (including influences from England, France, America, and Ireland),...
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Shine the Light on Your Government
What don't we know about our government? Explore the concept of transparency and freedom of information throught this analysis handout, in which scholars examine 2 political cartoons. Background information provides context, explaining...
Curated OER
How Does Government Secure Natural Rights?
Students explain why a government with a constitution is not necessarily a constitutional government, and identify alternative models of government that the Founders had to choose from.
Curated OER
With Liberty and Justice for All
Fifth graders identify and define in their own words the first ten amendments to the Constitution. They are assigned a CDV or amendment from the Bill of Rights and create and present a one-minute skit demonstrating it.
Curated OER
Locke's Second Treatise on Civil Government
In this online interactive history worksheet, learners respond to 10 short answer and essay questions about Locke's Second Treatise on Civil Government.
Curated OER
The French Revolution
Plenty of events and attitudes incited the French Revolution. Your class will learn all about the causes, effects, and changes that took place during and after this war. Each slide is put together in an easy-to-follow fashion, with...