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Learning Objectives
3.1 Activity: U.S. Constitution and Shays’ Rebellion
Purpose Process
[Hint: It happened just before the Constitutional Convention.] After the discussion has concluded, complete the Activity Guide: U.S. Constitution and Shays’ Rebellion worksheet. Launch Information Ask students to review the Visual Info Brief of the image and describe what they see. If no one answers, step in and say: “This is a depiction of Shays’ Rebellion.” Then ask the following questions:
You can give additional background on Shays’ Rebellion. Additional information about what actually happened can be found in the Info Brief: Summary of Shays’ Rebellion document and the Constitution Daily article, On this day, Shays’ Rebellion starts in Massachusetts. Let students know that the picture depicts an event from 1786, outside a courthouse, in Massachusetts. After students share their observations, ask the class the following questions:
Then, have students complete the worksheet. Activity Synthesis
Activity Extension (optional) Constitution 101 Resources Constitution 101 Resources Constitution 101 Resources 3.2 Activity: The Critical Period—The Years Between the American Revolution and the Constitutional Convention
Purpose Process
Launch Ask them to reflect on why they think the founders made those changes to the system of government. The goal is for the students to develop some well-formed thoughts to help them engage in the next activities. Allow students to check their completed chart with one or two classmates. Key features: structure, powers, and the amendment process (left hand side of chart). Activity Synthesis
Activity Extension (optional) Constitution 101 Resources Constitution 101 Resources 3.3 Activity: Key Terms
Purpose Process
Use the Activity Guide: Key Terms - Road to the Convention worksheet to record your answers. Launch Activity Synthesis
Activity Extension (optional)
Constitution 101 Resources 3.4 Video Activity: Road to the Convention
Purpose
Process Then, complete the Video Reflection: Road to the Convention worksheet. Identify any areas that are unclear to you or where you would like further explanation. Be prepared to discuss your answers in a group and to ask your teacher any remaining questions. Launch Activity Synthesis
Activity
Extension (optional) Constitution 101 Resources
3.5 Activity: Fear of Factions and Mobs
Purpose Process Launch Provide students with background information on the Federalist Papers from the Info Brief: The Federalist Papers document. Introduce the authors and why they wrote them. Give students time to read the excerpts from Federalist No. 10 and 55 and answer the questions. Activity Synthesis
Activity Extension (optional) Constitution 101 Resources Constitution 101 Resources 3.6 Summary Activity: Striking the Right Balance
Purpose The Founding generation came into the Constitutional Convention in a time of turmoil and significant change. Before they arrived, they crafted a national framework of government (the Articles of Confederation), experimented in their states with the creation of state constitutions, debated one another over the proper way to structure a new government, and researched many ideas about how their new government should work. With the U.S. Constitution, they wanted to strike a balance that combined strength, restraint, and deliberation. Process
Launch Activity Synthesis
Activity Extension (optional)
Looking for a deeper dive? Share this project with students: Guardrails of Democracy. 3.7 Test Your Knowledge
Purpose Congratulations for completing the activities in this module! Now it’s time to apply what you have learned about the basic ideas and concepts covered. Process Complete the questions in the following quiz to test your knowledge. Launch This activity will help students determine their overall understanding of module concepts. It is recommended that questions are completed electronically so immediate feedback is provided, but a downloadable copy of the questions (with answer key) is also available. Knowledge Check Constitution 101 Resources What intellectual movement was the largest single influence in the American Revolution?The ideas of the French Enlightenment philosophes strongly influenced the American revolutionaries. French intellectuals met in salons like this one to exchange ideas and define their ideals such as liberty, equality, and justice.
What idea had the most influence on the American Revolution?One key ideological movement, known as the Enlightenment, was central to the American uprising. Enlightenment stressed the idea of natural rights and equality for all citizens.
What was the single most important influence on Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration?Most scholars today believe that Jefferson derived the most famous ideas in the Declaration of Independence from the writings of English philosopher John Locke. Locke wrote his Second Treatise of Government in 1689 at the time of England's Glorious Revolution, which overthrew the rule of James II.
What event from the American Revolution period occurred first?The first shots of the Revolutionary War are fired at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts.
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