YouTube Playlist

Constitution Trailer

Description

In this unit, you will investigate the historical context in which our constitution was written. You will look at the Articles of Confederation, our nation's first form of government, and analyze the problems that led to its quick death. You will also look at the debates surrounding the writing and ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Basically, this unit is all about the Constitution. But you probably already got that.

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Important Files

Declaration of Independence
File Size:	980 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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United States Constitution
File Size:	389 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Homework Assignments

​Assignment #1: Power Relationships

• Watch and take notes on the following two videos to help you in our simulation tomorrow
  • How to Understand Power
  • How to Win at Negotiations
• Complete graphic organizer from class (if necessary)
  
• If you had problems accessing the Activate game over the weekend, finish the game tonight

Assignment #2: Why We Fought for Independence

• Complete questions on handout from class as you watch​ Crash Course: Prelude to Revolution

​Assignment 3: The Declaration of Independence

• Read Principles of American Democracy handout
• Complete accompanying graphic organizer
• Watch What You Might not Know about the Declaration of Independence
• Watch Schoolhouse Rock: Fireworks

​Assignment 4: The Declaration of Independence

• Finish, as best you can, the questions from "John Adams"
• Complete the Declaration questions from class using an online copy of the Declaration of Independence

​Assignment #5: The Articles of Confederation

• Watch and take notes on:​
  • Crash Course: Constitution, the Articles, and Federalism
  • Unitary, Confederation, and Federal Governments: What Are They?
• If necessary, complete chart on Articles of Confederation for class

Assignment #6: Compromise and the Constitution

• Complete "Creating the Constitution" handout using chapter 2, section 4 of your textbook
• Watch and take notes on Crash Course: Constitutional Compromises

​Assignment #7: Analyzing the Constitution

• Finish questions on Constitution Scavenger Hunt (here is a copy of the Constitution)
• Watch and take notes on Crash Course: Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances

Assignment #8: The Ratification Debate

• Complete "Ratifying the Constitution" handout using chapter 2, section 5 of your textbook
• Watch and take notes on Federalists vs Anti-Federalists in Five Minutes

Assignment #9: Study for test

• Review all notes and homework sheets
• Take the practice test given out in class
• Watch any videos linked on this page again that you feel will help you on the test

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Interesting Articles

• 10 Things You (Probably) Didn't Know about the American Revolution
• 11,000 Failed Attempts to Change America