Judith L. Myers, West Junior High School, Boise, ID
THE CONSTITUTION -- BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Appropriate for grades 8, 9, 11.
OVERVIEW: The formation of the Constitution in 1787, took place
in a climate of conflicting values, as to the role of a national
government and meeting the expectations of the states and the
people. Each delegate contributed to the framework of the
Constitution through deliberations, debates and compromises.
PURPOSE: These activities will promote investigation, research
and debate. Through the process of simulation students gain
insight into the special interests delegates brought to the
convention and the compromises made in order to form the most
revolutionary document on the history of the world.
OBJECTIVES: The learner will be able to:
1. Summarize the role of delegates at the Constitutional
Convention.
2. Identify ways conflicting values were resolved using
compromises.
3. Apply techniques of summarization, writing, research, and
cognitive skills to process data.
ACTIVITIES:
1. Assign the role of a key delegate to each student. Allow
time for research in the following areas:
a. Age at the time of the Convention
b. Occupation, education, and marital status
c. Member of the Continental Army
d. Representative to the Continental Congress
e. Signer of the following documents:
1. Declaration of Independence
2. Articles of Confederation
3. Constitution
f. Supporter of the Constitution
g. Attitudes represented
h. Other interesting highlights
Summarize the report to the class.
2. Divide the delegates according to small states (Delaware, New
Jersey, Maryland and Connecticut), large states
(Massachusetts, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia),
and in between states (Georgia, New York, South Carolina).
Allow the delegates in these states to decide their position.
Once positions are established require delegates to debate in
their role. Issues to be debated are:
a. The Great Compromise
b. Industrial vs. Agrarian interests
c. State rights vs. Federalism
d. 3/5 Compromise
3. Adapt the Constitution to current ideals. Share these ideas
with a representative (local, state, federal).
RESOURCES/ MATERIALS NEEDED:
Kelly, Alfred H., Harbison, Winifred A., & Belz, Herman. The
American Constitution: It's Origins and Development, W.W. Norton
& Co., 1982.
Keller, Claire W. & Schillings, Denny L., edit. "Teaching about
the Constitution", NCSS Bulletin No. 80, 1987.
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER: This activity could effectively be used to
introduce the format of the Constitution. Through the role
model
Classroom debates and compromises
bring the Convention to life.
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John Kurilecjmk@ofcn.org