The Writing of the U.S. Constitution

Social Studies American History Constitution and Government The Writing of the U.S. Constitution
Students create a chart of what they know about the U.S. Constitution. Then they learn about two issues that arose during the writing of the Constitution and the compromises: state representation within the legislature and the Bill of Rights. Next they read some quotes and identify the author: James Madison or George Mason, and explain how they know. Finally, they examine the positions on slavery among delegates to the Constitutional Convention and take a personal stand on whether the Constitution should address the issue of slavery.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Here are the teacher pack items for The Writing of the U.S. Constitution:

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Overview

In this experience, students create a chart of what they know about the U.S. Constitution. Then they learn about debates over representation in Congress and the protection of individual rights, as well as the compromises that helped resolve these debates. Next, they read quotations from James Madison and George Mason, identify who said each one, and explain how they know. Finally, they examine the Electoral College as an example of compromise in the U.S. Constitution.

The focus of this experience is historical perspectives and the need for compromise in government.

Estimated duration: 45-55 minutes

Vocabulary words:

  • fundamental
  • operation
  • consolidated
  • preserve
  • abolish
  • tyranny

Objectives

  • Identify the events that led to the writing of the U.S. Constitution
  • Describe the debate over ratification of the U.S. Constitution


Engage


Today, the U.S. Constitution sets up the nation’s government and is the highest law of the United States. The Constitution was created after many debates and compromises among the delegates who wrote it. It then had to be approved, or ratified, by the states. In this experience, you will learn about some of the debates and compromises that shaped the Constitution.

Objectives

  • Identify the events that led to the writing of the U.S. Constitution
  • Describe the debate over ratification of the U.S. Constitution


George Washington addressing the delegates at the Constitutional Convention

Washington as Statesman at the Constitutional Convention,

by Junius Brutus Stearns (1856)


Before learning about how the U.S. Constitution was written and ratified, review what you know about the document.


Post a fact you know about the Constitution. If someone has already posted your fact, try to think of a different one.


Review what students know about the U.S. Constitution and correct any misconceptions.

Key ideas:

  • It begins with the Preamble.
  • It establishes the structure and powers of the federal government.
  • It divides the power of the federal government among three branches.
  • It creates a system of checks and balances so that no branch becomes too powerful.
  • The legislative branch makes laws.
  • The executive branch carries out laws.
  • The judicial branch interprets laws.
  • The Constitution has seven articles.
  • It has 27 amendments.
  • The first 10 amendments are called the Bill of Rights.
  • The Bill of Rights protects individual rights and freedoms.


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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in Constitution and Government Unit.
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Constitution and Government: Vocabulary
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The Cornerstone of U.S. Democracy: The U.S. Constitution
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The Writing of the U.S. Constitution
Social Studies American History Constitution and Government The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights
Social Studies American History Constitution and Government Constitution and Government: Unit Test
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