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Introduction Delegates to the Constitutional Convention The Work Begins Writing the Constitution The Great Compromise Signing the Constitution Ratifying the Constitution Bill of Rights Powers of the Federal Government The Three Branches of Government Checks and Balances Amendments Women - The Right to Vote

  

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Books & Reading

Books & Reading

Why did the authors of the Constitution set up the system of checks and balances?

How did the framers of the US constitution incorporate their values into the constitution?

The United States has a written constitution. What are the alter­
natives?


Creating the Constitution

 

Ratifying the Constitution Signing the Constitution Delegates to the Constitutional Convention The Work Begins Writing the Constitution The Great Compromise Bill of Rights Powers of the Federal Government The Three Branches of Government Checks and Balances Amendments Women - The Right to Vote

 
The Work Begins


Uncle Sam, the word spy, wants you to take a minute and test your knowledge.

Match the word(s) in the left-hand column to complete the questions or statements in the right-hand column. Check your answers.

George Washington A. This man kept detailed notes that provided us with the most of our knowledge about Constitutional Convention.
Rhode Island B. The Constitutional Convention was called for the purpose of __________.
James Madison C. The year the Constitutional Convention met.
rewriting the Articles of Confederation D. Who served as president of the Constitutional Convention?
1787 E. Delegates came for the Philadelphia Constitutional Convention from all states except this one.

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Did you know the Constitution was drafted in fewer than one hundred working days in secret, behind locked doors that were guarded by sentries?

Surf with Uncle Sam
Surf with Uncle Sam

Word Spy
Word Spy

Projects You Can Do

This activity will promote investigation, research, and debate. Through the process of simulation you will gain insight into the special interests delegates brought to the Constitutional Convention and the compromises made in order to form the most revolutionary document on the history of the world.

Assign the role of key delegates to friends. Allow time for research in the following areas:

a. Age at the time of the Convention
b. Occupation, education, and marital status
c. Member of the Continental Army
d. Representative to the Continental Congress
e. Signer of the following documents: Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution.
f. Supporter of the Constitution
g. Attitudes represented
h. Other interesting highlights

Summarize the report

Divide the delegates according to small states (Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland and Connecticut), large states (Massachusetts, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia), and in between states (Georgia, New York, South Carolina). Allow the delegates in these states to decide their position. Once positions are established ask delegates to debate in their role. Issues to be debated are:

a. The Great Compromise
b. Industrial vs. Agrarian interests
c. State rights vs. Federalism d. 3/5 Compromise

Adapt the Constitution to current ideals. Share these ideas.


 

Awards

 

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