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Lesson

The National Bank Debate

Duration
65 min
Grade
9–12
Published
Nov 15, 2020
Historic building with a portico supported by columns and ornamental details, set against a clear sky.
This activity should be completed after students have completed the Actions of the First Congress Lesson, The Compromise of 1790 Decision Point, and George Washington, First Inaugural Address, 1789 Primary Source Activity. This Lesson should be followed by the Alexander Hamilton and the National Bank Narrative or the "Strict" or "Loose": Was the National Bank Constitutional? Point-Counterpoint, either of which can be completed as a homework assignment to follow this Lesson.

Objectives:

  • Students will be able to explain the economic problems affecting the United States in the early years of the republic.
  • Students will be able to analyze the financial and constitutional justifications for the Bank of the United States.
  • Students will be able to express their support or rejection of the bank bill by reenacting the bank debate as it took shape between the Jeffersonian-Republicans and the Federalists.

Materials

  • Handout A: Background of the National Bank Debate
  • Handout B: Cabinet Member Reports
  • Handout C: Reflection Questions
  • You may want to have students make their own name tags when they get to the activity, or provide students in each of the groups of four with laminated name tags for the following individuals. Do not hand out the name tags until the activity, just before students present their constitutional arguments.
    • Student 1: Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson
    • Student 2: Attorney General Edmund Randolph
    • Student 3: Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton
    • Student 4: President George Washington

     

Lesson Components

ActivityBackground of the National Bank Debate

A narrative that gives background to the first discussion of the proper limits and relationships to be applied to state and national government in the Early Republic.

ActivityCabinet Member Reports

A set of primary sources written by Thomas Jefferson, Edmund Randolph, and Alexander Hamilton that share their opinions on the Constitutionality of the National Bank.

ActivityNational Bank Activity Reflection Questions

A set of questions to be used after arguments for the National Bank have been presented.

Lesson plan

65 minClick a phase to open it

More Information

 

 

Standards

Advanced Placement

  • Topic 3.8 · The Constitutional Convention and Debates Over Ratification
  • Topic 3.10 · Shaping a New Republic
  • Theme · Politics and Power
  • Learning Objective · Unit 3I
  • Learning Objective · Unit 3L
  • Historical Development · 3.2.II.E
  • Historical Development · 3.2.III.A

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

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