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Lesson

Elbridge Gerry (1744-1814)

Duration
45 min
Published
Nov 5, 2020
Portrait of a man with white hair and a black coat, looking slightly to the side against a dark background.
What was Elbridge Gerry's role as a leader in the American opposition to British tyranny? Why did he oppose the Constitution? And why does his legacy include the tactic of gerrymandering?

Founding Principles

Federalism, Limited Government

Learning objectives

Students will:

  • appreciate Gerry’s role as a leader of the American opposition to British tyranny
  • analyze the reasons for Gerry’s opposition to the Constitution
  • understand how Gerry drew congressional districts in Massachusetts to favor the Federalist Party
  • apply Gerry’s redistricting tactics (gerrymandering) in a hypothetical scenario

Materials

Student Handouts

Additional Teacher Resource

Lesson Components

ActivityHandout A: Elbridge Gerry (1744–1814)
ActivityHandout B: By His Own Hand: Elbridge Gerry and Gerrymandering
ActivityThematic Essays – Elbridge Gerry (1744-1814)

Lesson plan

45 minClick a phase to open it

Standards

Advanced Placement

  • CCE

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Related materials

A portrait of a man with white hair and a serious expression, dressed in a dark coat and white cravat.
FounderElbridge Gerry

Indeed, “gerrymandering” is a common political tactic today and undeniably part of Gerry’s legacy. But Gerry was more than a cunning politician. He was also a leader of the American independence movement,