By Now You Should Have Some Background About the Type of Government That Was Created By

The year is 1788. The streets and taverns are filled with gossip, rumors and heated arguments over what the new nation has just written, the new U.S. Constitution! During our Town Hall meeting, each student will be presenting a viewpoint on at least one aspect of this document. You may use any of the background information that we have already covered. However, each of you will be choosing a role with a specific point of view, which you will present at the meeting. We will be using some simple parliamentary procedures that will be enforced by a Chairperson. There will be a docket that lists the order of the speakers. You may workalone, or in a group, to research and write a speech in favor of, or opposed to, the Constitution. We will provide information on a particular issue. For example, you may be opposed to the Constitution because it did not outlaw slavery, or you may be for it because it makes for a more powerful national government.

By now you should have some background about the type of government that was created by the Constitution. Now it is time to take on a role of someone from that time period and express their viewpoints. You will be responsible for the following for our Town Hall meeting on ______:

• Read the information provided by your teacher on one of the arguments in favor of, or against, the Constitution.
• Make sure you understand the major idea(s) in your reading
• Prepare a written speech that summarizes and explains this viewpoint
• Be prepared to answer questions from the Town Hall meeting’s participants. Remember, you are not expressing your opinions, but the opinions explained in your reading
• Be prepared to ask others questions about their viewpoints after they give their speeches.

Ratification of the Constitution: Town Hall Meeting Rubric

Name(s): ______/______/______/______

1= incomplete 3= completed, but done poorly4= satisfactory 5= all complete/ done well

I: Written statement explaining views: 1345 6

-minimum 1 page

1. Clearly explains main idea/views (x 2):1345 6

1345 6

1. Participation (in group and/or1345 6

Town Hall meeting):

1. Understands key parts of Constitution:1 345 6

-include key ideas (i.e. checks/balances)

Total Points: /25

23-25=A20-22=B18-19=C15-17=D14-0= 

*******************************************************************

Parliamentary Procedure

“The Chair recognizes ______.”

• This means the chair will allow you to speak.

“Will the speaker yield to a series of questions?”

• This means that you would like to ask the speaker a question.

“I reserve my right to make a statement.”

• This means you would like to express an opinion.

“I yield my time to the Chair.”

• When you finish speaking, say this to the Chair