Essay Question: Examine the political, economic and social characteristics of America today and identify areas of structural and policy concern that would be addressed in a second Constitutional Convention. From your research also determine potential outcomes of such a convention.
Project Based Lesson: Second Constitutional Convention - Students will plan the structural design (who is involved, how power is shared, where and how long it lasts, etc.) and content/objectives of a Jeffersonian review of institutional and personal participation in American democracy.
Readings/Internet: The Federalist Papers by James Madison, John Jay and Alexander Hamilton, Analysis of the US Constitution, The History of the Amendments to the Constitution
Links Lesson: 1) Concept Web for (each) Legislative, Executive and Judicial powers and responsibilities, 2) Flow Chart diagram of 'How a Bill becomes a Law', 3) Cause and Effect Chart for judicial review/constitutionality
Essential Questions: 1) Should the Constitutional Convention have been representative of all members of society? 2) What are the strengths and weaknesses of representative government? 3) What are some of the best and worst examples of executive authority in US history? 4) Are judicial decisions effective in influencing structural or attitudinal change in American society? 5) Why do individuals need protection from the government?
Identification Terms
Roger Sherman
Ratification
Constitutional Conv.
James Madison
Supremacy Clause
Electoral College
New Jersey Plan
Legislative Branch
Federalists
Virginia Plan
Federalist Papers
George Mason
John Jay
Great Compromise
We the people
3/5 Compromise
George Washington
Benjamin Franklin
Alexander Hamilton
James Wilson
Separation of Powers
Bill of Rights
Anti-Federalists
Economic Interpretation
Judicial Branch
Patrick Henry
Executive Branch
Mobocracy
Checks & balances
Amendments
Short Answer Questions
1.Was the Constitutional Convention revolutionary or anti-revolutionary concerning both its methods and results?
2.Describe the full impact in both the short and long terms of the 3/5 Compromise on the government & institution of slavery.
3.Fully describe and explain the role (any) four individuals had on the structure and implementation of a new government.
4.What role and impact did the Anti-Federalists have on the Constitutional Convention, the Constitution & ratification process?
5.When planning the Executive Office, what specific powers did the Convention seek to promote and avoid in a national leader?
6.Describe the content and implications of the arguments used by Madison in Federalist #10?
7.What specific changes did the Convention seek to add, improve, or eliminate in a new Legislative Branch?
8.How specifically did the idea of checks and balances and a separation of powers promote democratic government?
9.In what specific ways was the structure and implementation of government through the new Constitution not democratic?
10.How should Americans today interpret and analyze the Constitutional Convention and the Constitution itself?
