Chapter 5 Project

Students are going to explore the debate over the Constitution and the new government through the eyes of ordinary people. Students will write journal entries to show how individuals were affected by the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, the debate over the Constitution, and the new government created by the Constitution.

Step 1: Students are going to write 4 journal entries based on a person living in America just after the Revolutionary War. Students will need to research some different types of people living during that time period. Complete the worksheet “Who Am I?”

         Where did people live at this time? What kinds of jobs did people have? What past events might affect how they feel about their government?

Step 2: For each event described below, write a journal entry describing how the event would affect the life of your character. Tell how your character would feel about the event. Your journal entries can be written in blue or black ink or typed.

Event 1: Congress Passes Land Ordinances and Northwest Ordinance

  These laws create a plan for the Northwest Territories to become states. They divide the land into small regions that settlers can buy. The ordinances say that new states will be equal to old states. They also say that Native Americans living there will be treated fairly and that slavery will not exist in the new states. How do you feel about this?

Event 2: Constitutional Convention

This convention is taking place in Philadelphia. Instead of changing the Articles of Confederation, the delegates are creating a new constitution. Their discussions are secret, but you hear rumors that the delegates will give the national government more power. They might change the number of representatives that each state has in Congress. They might even create a chief executive. What is your reaction?

Event 3: Ratification Debate

The Constitutional Convention is over and the delegates have written and signed the new Constitution. Now the states must decide whether to ratify it. Federalist say this new Constitution will make the country stronger because it will give the national government powers that it needs. Anti-Federalist say the new Constitution takes away too much power from the states and does not protect people’s rights. Which side do you think is right?

Event 4: Life Under the New Constitution

It is now 1795, and the new Constitution has been in effect for more than five years. New structures are in place, such as the system of checks and balances, the two house of Congress, the amendment process, and the principle of federalism. Choose one aspect of the new government and write about the effect you think it might have on your life, on your children’s lives, or on the success of the country as a whole.

Rubric:

Points

Description

20 for each journal entry

Journal entries are created. Journal entries are thorough and include facts that are directly relevant to the topic. Opinions are support with details. All information pertains to the time period.

15

Journal format is used correctly. Grammar and mechanics contain little or no errors. Journal are neat and easy to read. Journal entries are typed or written in blue or black ink.

5

“Who am I” sheet is completed. Information is accurate. Information is used in the journal.

****Bonus****

For an extra 10 points: Create an actual journal book. This includes a cover. You can include a visual as well. Just remember to stay in the time period that is being studied!!

Due Dates:

A Day: Tuesday November 18

 B Day: Monday November 17