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Constitutional Convention: Lesson Plan Constitutional Convention (Philadelphia 1787): The Birth of the Constitution- History of the United States Series | Academy 4 Social Change Constitutional Convention: Lesson Plan Topic The Constitutional Convention was a meeting of delegates from 12 out of the 13 states that was held in Philadelphia from May to September 1787. George Washington was elected president of the Convention, and other delegates included James Madison, Ben Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton. Though their original objective was only to amend the Articles of Confederation, the delegates quickly decided to draft an entirely new document instead. This new Constituti on outlined a federalist form of government with a bicameral legislature, three distinct branches, and a comprehensive system of checks and balances. Possible subjects/classes Time needed ● Government ● History 45 - 60 min ● Politics Video link: https://academy4sc.org/topic/constitutional-convention-the-birth-of-the-constituti on/ Objective: What will students know/be able to do at the end of class? Students will be able to... ● Explain why the Constitutional Convention happened. ● Describe some of the main debates during the Convention, and provide the arguments of each side. ● Explain the lasting impact of the decisions made at the Constitutional Convention. Key Concepts & Vocabulary American Revolutionary War, Delegates, separation of powers, ratification Materials Needed Worksheet, Student Internet Access (Optional) Constitutional Convention (Philadelphia 1787): The Birth of the Constitution- History of the United States Series | Academy 4 Social Change Before you watch Quick write: Ask students to make a list of words and phrases that come to mind when they are asked about the Constitution (responses may include “Founding Fathers,” “amendments,” etc). Create a class list of the most common terms. While you watch Complete the While you Watch section of the Worksheet After you watch/discussion questions 1. Do you think the Connecticut Compromise was a good halfway point between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans? Are there any other possible compromises that could have been made? 2. What are some examples of checks and balances in the government other than the ones mentioned? 3. If another Constitutional Convention were held today to make major amendments to the Constitution, what do you think the major debates would be about? Would states be split along North / South and large / sm all lines, or would new divisions be more important? Activity Ideas ● Reenactment: Stage a reenactment of the Convention. Assign each student to one of the twelve states in attendance, and have students debate the Virginia and New Jersey Plans. Allow students to decide on a compromise other than the Connecticut Compromise. ● Research: Assign each student to be one of the delegates present at the Convention. Have students do research on the beliefs and stances of their delegate. At the end of the class, have each student “introduce” themselves to the class with a short (~1.5 - 2 min) speech on who they are and what they want the new Constitution to say. Sources/places to learn more 1. “5 Issues at the Constitutional Convention.” George Washington's Mount Vernon , Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/constitutional-convention/issu es-of-the-constitutional-convention/. Constitutional Convention (Philadelphia 1787): The Birth of the Constitution- History of the United States Series | Academy 4 Social Change 2. “The Constitutional Convention .” Khan Academy , Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/us-history/road-to-revolution/creating- a-nation/a/the-constitutional-convention. 3. “Constitutional Convention and Ratification, 1787–1789.” Office of the Historian , U.S. Department of State, history.state.gov/milestones/1784-1800/convention-and-ratification. 4. “Constitutional Convention Begins.” History.com , A&E Television Networks, 9 Feb. 2010, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/constitutional-convention-begins. 5. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Constitutional Convention.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 28 Aug. 2019, www.britannica.com/event/Constitutional-Convention. .
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