University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Checks and Balances
Overview of the principle of checks and balances proposed in the Federalist Papers.
Center For Civic Education
Center for Civic Education: George Washington and Executive Power
George Washington had a role in establishing our nation from the Revolutionary War through his presidency. He was a commander, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and a reluctant first President. Analyze his political...
Library of Congress
Loc: Creating a Constitution
A brief article on the efforts of Charles Pinckney along with others to amend The Articles of Confederation. Includes links to original text of unsuccessful amendments to The Articles of Confederation
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: A Cast of National Superstars
A brief look at some of those who served as delegates to the Philadelphia Convention, which morphed into a constitutional convention. Pay attention to the class of people who made up the delegates.
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Benjamin Franklin
Although he was the old sage of the American Revolution and the Founding generation, Benjamin Franklin's considerable work in the areas of journalism, science, and invention often obscure his many contributions to the creation of the...
University of Groningen
American History: Biographies: George Wythe 1726 1806
Biography of George Wythe, 1726-1806, a learned man and teacher who supported the American Revolution and was a delegate to the Continental Congress, signing the Declaration of Independence and attended the Constiutional Convention.
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Elbridge Gerry
Elbridge Gerry is remembered today for his controversial attempt as governor to draw congressional districts in Massachusetts to the advantage of his party. Indeed, "gerrymandering" is a common political tactic today and undeniably part...
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Charles Pinckney
Born near Charles Town (now Charleston), South Carolina, Charles Pinckney was the child of a wealthy family. He received a first-rate education and became an accomplished lawyer. Pinckney joined the state militia during the American...
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Roger Sherman
Although not the most charismatic or eloquent Founder, Roger Sherman was highly esteemed by his contemporaries. At Sherman's death, Ezra Stiles, president of Yale College, wrote, "He was an extraordinary man-a venerable uncorrupted...
Other
Gunston Hall Plantation: Constitutional Web Power
Review some of the players and concepts of the Constitutional period. The words and names featured were familiar to the early leaders of our nation. Unscramble the letters, then find the right description.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: A Biography of America: A New System of Government 1776 1826
This module examines America's efforts to form a new government after the War for Independence and to draft the Constitution. Includes an interactive activity comparing Thomas Jefferson's and Alexander Hamilton's visions for America, a...
Library of Congress
Loc: Today in History: April 13: Thomas Jefferson, Grand Old Flag
Multi-faceted site with hypertexted links to Jefferson's writings, summary of the events leading to the Constitution and the failure of the Articles of Confederation; included is Jefferson's original draft of the "Bill for Establishing...
Other
Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Philadelphia: Convention City
Provides information on the famous conventions that Philadelphia is known for, beginning with the Constitutional Convention.
History Teacher
Historyteacher.net: The u.s. Constitution: Quiz (3)
10-question multiple choice quiz is immediately scored and covers events pertaining to the U.S. Constitution.
History Teacher
Historyteacher.net: The u.s. Constitution: Quiz (2)
10-question multiple choice quiz is immediately scored and covers events pertaining to the U.S. Constittution.
University of Groningen
American History: Documents: The Articles of Confederation
At this site from the University of Groningen's page of "From Revolution to Reconstruction", you can read the Articles of Confederation, written in 1781. Authors listed with the states for which they were writing.
CommonLit
Common Lit: Petition From the Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery
A learning module that begins with "Petition from the Pennsylvania Society for the Abolition of Slavery" by Benjamin Franklin, accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. The text can be...
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: Age of Jefferson and Madison
[Free Registration/Login Required] After a brief description of Thomas Jefferson's and James Madison's contributions to the early ideology and government of the new United States in their authorship of the Declaration of Independence and...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: The Destruction of the Armenians During World War I
Activity-based resource on the genocide and mass deportation of Armenians from Turkey during WWI. Students investigate whether the treatment of Armenians by the Turkish governmnet fits the definition included in the UN Genocide Convention.
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: Notes From Virginia Ratifying Convention
Edmund Randolph's notes taken at the state convention of Virginia on ratification of the new Constitution.
ibiblio
Ibiblio: Burma Myanmar: How to Read the Generals' "Roadmap"
A thoughtful explanation of the "roadmap" laid out by the head of the military junta as a guide for a national constitutional convention. Many primary source links included.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Constitution Through Compromise
Read about how compromises were reached at the Philadelphia convention that dealt with issues between large and small states, and slave and free states. Take the quick quiz to assess knowledge about the writing of the Constitution.
Yale University
Yale New Haven Teachers Institute: Connecticut Constitution, 1639 1789
Develops the concept of "constitutionalism" as related to the U.S. Constitution and Connecticut's role in the Constitutional Congress and Convention. An overview of Connecticut's colonial history, and judicial origins and organization,...
Digital History
Digital History: The Civil War Begins [Pdf]
The election of 1860 showed the deep divisions that split the country. With four candidates representing four very different approaches to the issue of slavery, the outcome resulted in the secession of South Carolina, followed eventually...