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The Founding Fathers and the Constitutional Struggle Over Centralized Power Lesson PlanThe Founding Fathers and the Constitutional Struggle Over Centralized Power Lesson Plan
Publisher
Center for History Education
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
3rd - 8th
Subjects
Social Studies & History
2 more...
Resource Type
Lesson Plans
Audience
For Teacher Use
Duration
3 hrs
Instructional Strategies
Discussion
3 more...
Usage Permissions
Fine Print: Educational Use
Lesson Plan

The Founding Fathers and the Constitutional Struggle Over Centralized Power

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This The Founding Fathers and the Constitutional Struggle Over Centralized Power lesson plan also includes:
  • The Founding Fathers and the Constitutional Struggle Over Centralized Power (.html)
  • Resource Sheet #1: Text from the Articles of Confederation (.pdf)
  • Resource Sheet #2: Interpreting the Articles of Confederation (.pdf)
  • Resource Sheet #3: Text from the Constitution (.pdf)
  • Resource Sheet #4: Compare and Contrast (.pdf)
  • Resource Sheet #5: Quotation Explanation Worksheet (.pdf)
  • Resource Sheet #6: Quoting the Founders (.pdf)
  • Resource Sheet #7: Oral Presentations (.pdf)
  • Resource Sheet #8: Mini-Unit Grading Rubric (.pdf)
  • Resource Sheet #9: Lesson Reflection Worksheet (.pdf)
  • Activity
  • Vocabulary
  • Join to access all included materials

Believe it or not, the Constitution was America's second attempt at a democratic government. Academics travel back to the past to explore the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation that would eventually lead to the Constitutional Convention. The lesson explains the ideology that formed the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists who helped to draft the new Constitution. Scholars participate in a mock convention, complete worksheets, group discussions, and analyze primary sources to understand the differing options in American democracy. 

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Concepts

american history, america, ratification of the united states constitution, the united states, american culture, american democracy, democracy, democratic values, representative democracy, constitutions, the constitution, government systems, governments, american politics, politics, constitutional rights, the founding fathers, the declaration of independence, the constitutional convention, the articles of confederation, the anti-federalists, the federalists, the federalists and anti-federalists, the federalist papers, debate, arguments, primary sources, primary source analysis, primary source images, historical documents, historical analysis, historical context

Instructional Ideas

  • Have pupils write a newspaper article defending the Federalists or the Anti-Federalists 
  • Create visual boards that represent the values of the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists 

Classroom Considerations

  • Requires additional materials to complete the lesson 

Pros

  • Includes an exit ticket to gauge what students took away from the lesson
  • Resource includes a rubric to make grading easier 

Cons

  • None

View 40,536 other resources for 3rd - 8th Grade Social Studies & History

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