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Lesson

Slavery and the United States Constitution

Guiding question

Was the United States Constitution a pro-slavery document or an anti-slavery document?

Duration
90 min
Grade
10–12
Published
Apr 18, 2023
Historical document with the text "We the People" at the top, featuring cursive handwriting and a faded background.

Founding Principles

Natural/Inalienable Rights, Equality

Objectives:

  • Students will interpret primary sources related to slavery and the U.S. Constitution.
  • Students will create an argument using evidence from primary sources.
  • Students will evaluate differing perspectives on an issue before drawing conclusions.

Materials

Student Resources:

Teacher Resources:

  • Answer Key

Lesson Components

ActivitySlavery and the U.S. Constitution Glossary
ActivityPreamble to the U.S. Constitution Engage Activity
ActivitySlavery and the Constitution Explore Student Primary Source Activity
ActivitySlavery and the Constitution Structured Academic Controversy
ActivityWilliam Lloyd Garrison, “The American Union.” The Liberator, January 10, 1845
ActivityFrederick Douglass, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Speech to Rochester, New York Ladies Anti-Slavery Society, July 5, 1852
EssaySlavery and the US Constitution Background Essay

Lesson plan

90 minClick a phase to open it

Key Terms

Apportioned
Slave power
State comity
Posterity
Ordain

More Information

Facilitation Notes:

  • Glossary terms for this lesson are provided on a separate handout. The terms are also defined when they appear in the sources provided.
  • Some components of this lesson contain terminology that is no longer used because the terms are recognized to be offensive or derogatory. These terms are retained in their original usage in order to present them accurately in their historical context for student learning, including understanding why those are not acceptable today.

Standards

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

Related materials

The Constitution primary source
Primary SourceThe Constitution

The Constitution was written in the summer of 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by delegates from 12 states, in order to replace the Articles of Confederation with a new form of government. It created a federal system with a national government composed of 3 separated powers, and included both reserved and concurrent powers of states.

A photo of Abraham Lincoln, the 16 th president of the United States
EssaySlavery, the Constitution, and The Presidency

This is an introductory essay from Presidents and the Constitution.

Historical documents including the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution on aged parchment paper.
Educator ResourcePrinciples and Virtues

How do We the People are better able to protect and advance freedom and opportunity for all?