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Lesson

The Constitution

Guiding question

How does the Constitution create a government with limited and specific authority that is strong enough to protect liberty and justice?

Duration
145 min
Grade
9–12
Published
Nov 5, 2020
Painting of a historic meeting with George Washington and founding fathers in a formal setting.
In 1787, many Americans were concerned that the Articles of Confederation did not grant enough power to the central government to protect the rights of the people. Under the Articles, the national government was unable to regulate commerce, taxation, currency, treaties, and protect the rights of individuals and states. The states called a delegation to meet in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787 and from that convention the new Constitution was born.

Objectives

  • Students will analyze the principles of the Preamble.
  • Students will understand the basic structure and purpose of each article of the Constitution.
  • Students will locate examples of the basic principles in the Constitution.

Materials

Student Handouts

Lesson Components

ActivityPreamble Posters
ActivityHandout A: The United States Constitution
ActivityHandout B: A Second Study
ActivityHandout C: Constitution Cube
EssayEssay: The Constitution

In 1787, many Americans were concerned that the Articles of Confederation did not grant enough power to the central government to protect the rights of the people. Under the Articles, the national government was unable to regulate commerce, taxation, currency, treaties, and protect the rights of individuals and states. The states called a delegation to meet in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787, and from that convention the new Constitution was born.

Lesson plan

145 minClick a phase to open it

Key Terms

Inalienable rights
Virtue
John Adams
Federalism
Separation of powers

Standards

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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.