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Lesson

What is Property? Why Protect It?

Duration: 45 min
Published: Nov 5, 2020

The Founders were extremely concerned with protecting private property as a cornerstone of a free society. Property is not only physical possessions but also ideas, works, and even what someone has been promised in wages. This lesson explores the idea of property, its origins and the reasons it is protected.

Founding Principles

Due Process, Property Rights, Rule of Law

Virtues

Justice, Respect, Responsibility, Self-Governance

Objectives

Students will explain the definitions of property.
Students will explore the origins of property rights in the United States.
Students will summarize the reasons for the protection of personal property.
Students will analyze the property rights protections found in the Bill of Rights.

Materials

Student Handouts

Teacher Resources

What is Property? Why Protect It? Answer Key

Lesson Components

ActivityHandout A: Property or Not?

ActivityHandout B: What is Property? Why Protect It? (Background Essay)

ActivityHandout C: James Madison and Property

ActivityHandout D: The Bill of Rights and Property

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Lesson plan

45 minClick a phase to open it

Standards

Advanced Placement

NCHS

Check whether this resource aligns with your state’s standards →