U.S. I Mr. Lanner 100 Point Project DEBATE ON RATIFICATION Should we ratify the new Constitution?
Purpose of Lesson: This lesson describes some conflicting points of view of leading Framers about the Constitution. Most of the delegates argued for the adoption of the Constitution, although many had reservations about all or parts of it. The reservations of three states were so serious that they refused to sign the document. When you have completed this lesson, you should be able to explain the positions of the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists and give arguments in support and in opposition to these positions. Setting the Stage: The Constitution was only a proposal when signed by the Founding Fathers on September 17, 1787. It still needed to be approved by the states for it to become the supreme law of the land. Article VII of the Constitution clearly stated that the approval of the conventions of nine states would be sufficient for the establishment of this Constitution. Ratification was not guaranteed. The votes in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New York were close. Those who opposed the Constitution were called anti-federalists because they opposed a strong central government. They objected to the seemingly overwhelming grant of powers to the national government with no guarantee that the states would be left with any powers, the lack of a bill of rights, and the lack of direct elections of the president and the U.S. Senate. Some were dissatisfied with the failure to end the slave trade. But the Federalist (the pro-constitution party) overcame their objections. They argued that the federal government needed much more power than it had under the Articles of Confederation, and that there was no immediate need for a bill of rights. They also pointed out that amending the Constitution could change whatever flaws it currently had.
In sate after state, the superior organizing ability of the Federalists and the force of their arguments carried the day. The Constitution that we now have was ratified! The issues that divided the country between Federalists and anti-federalists can be summed up as the power of the national government versus the power of the states, and the need for order versus the desire for liberty. These issues continued as the basis for political discussions during the period of Federalist rule (1789-1801) and they are still being debated today. (Social Studies School Services) Grade Level/Unit: Grade 10 U.S.I MA. Frameworks: USI.6 Explain the reasons for the adoption of the Articles of Confederation in 1781, including why its drafters created a weak central government; analyze the shortcomings of the national government under the Articles; and describe the crucial events (e.g., Shay s rebellion) leading to the Constitutional Convention. (H, C) USI.7 Explain the roles of various founders at the Constitutional Convention. Describe the major debates that occurred at the Convention and the Great Compromise that was reached. (H, C) USI.8 Describe the debate over the ratification of the Constitution between Federalists and Anti- Federalists and explain the key ideas contained in the Federalist Papers on federalism, factions, checks and balances, and the importance of an independent judiciary. (H, C)
The Task: You will re-create a modern day version of the ratification of the Constitution by creating a classroom project portraying the time period in a modern day fashion. As a class you will be selected to take part in various talk shows that are viewed on television. These talk shows would invite the hot topic of ratification among the states into their show by mixing historic figures of the time period of 1787 i.e. Hamilton, Jay, Madison... and modern day talk show hosts of today i.e. Oprah, The View You will be given the opportunity to watch a segment of, An Empire of Reason, a DVD example on the above subject prior to beginning the project. This will give you an understanding of the outcome that should be presented. Conclusion: Write a two paged double spaced 12 font typed paper on the following question: Many of the ideas in the Federalist/anti-Federalist Debates seem to some quite relevant today. Some people distill the differences down to a question of the benefits of a strong central government versus states' rights or the rights of states to make their own decisions. Others would say it is a question of more government controls versus an individual's personal right to make his or her own decisions as to what is best for him or her. How do you feel? After doing this assignment, would you classify yourself as a Federalist or an Anti-Federalist and why? Is one "good" and one "bad"? Are they relevant classifications for today? Why or why not?
Length of Lesson: 5 Class Periods Grading: See the attached rubric Learning Advice: You must become very familiar with the important historical figure you have chosen to "become" in these talk show debates. As you read his biographical information, his speeches, and what he wrote of importance, highlight those areas you feel are most pertinent to use with your notes. Be sure to stay aware of your opponents' points of view, trying to figure out what arguments they use against you in the talk show debate, so you can be prepared to answer them in rebuttal.
Resources: The Articles of Confederation and the Constitution, Bernstein, http://revolution.h-net,msu.edu/essays/bernstein.confederation.html The Argument over the Constitution, Bernstein, http://revolution.h-net,msu.edu/essays/bernstein.argument.html The Origins of the American Constitution, Kammen Part Two: Private Correspondence of the Founders 1787-1788 pgs.53-122 The Constitution and the Federalist Era Social Studies School Service We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution Unit Two: Lesson 15, What Conflicting Opinions Did the Framers Have about the Completed Constitution? An Empire of Reason DVD, New York State Bar Foundation 1988 Federalist #10