Analyze the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution by looking at key phrases from each document.

Explore the purpose, structure, and flaws of the Articles of Confederation.

Explore the disagreements between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists.

How did the division of power for the United States shape early American history?

What were the key arguments for and against ratification of the Constitution, and how were the debates shaped by constitutional principles?   

What were the principles of the new Constitution and how did they shape the debate between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists during the ratification debate? 

What were the principles of the new Constitution and how did they shape the debate between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists during the ratification debate? 

In this middle school history lesson, students explore the debate over ratifying the U.S. Constitution by analyzing Amos Doolittle’s political cartoon The Looking Glass. Through careful examination of the image’s symbolism, captions, and context, students uncover how Federalists and Anti-Federalists clashed over the principles of government power, federalism, and liberty. What were the principles behind the new Constitution, and how did they shape the national debate? Guided by the VIEW method—Voice, Intent, Environment, and Who—students learn to decode historical documents and evaluate competing political perspectives. By crafting a thesis and using visual evidence, students sharpen essential historical thinking and civic reasoning skills.