Evolution of the Constitution

Introduction

Imagine that you are living in the United States in 1787. The Revolutionary War has ended, but the new country is struggling to govern itself. The Articles of Confederation created the first national government, but that government has limited power and is having difficulty dealing with economic, political, and social problems.

Some Americans believe the government needs more power to keep the country stable. Others worry that creating a stronger national government will threaten the freedoms they just fought a war to protect.

You have been asked to serve as a constitutional advisor during this important period in American history. Your job is to investigate the problems with the Articles of Confederation, examine the arguments surrounding the Constitution, and determine whether the Bill of Rights adequately addressed concerns about government power.

As you complete this WebQuest, you will use historical sources to answer one important question:

Did the new Constitution solve the problems of the Articles of Confederation while still protecting individual liberty?

Task

Become a Constitutional Advisor

Over the next 3 days, your job is to investigate the creation of the United States government through the sources linked below, and then make a recommendation to the new government in 1791.

On Friday, you will write a 1–2 page Constitutional Advisor Recommendation answering:

"Did the Constitution successfully solve the problems created by the Articles of Confederation while protecting individual liberty?"

 

With a partner, you will read through the assigned sources each day and answer each day's questions. You will be able to use all this information for your recommendation assignment at the end. 

Process

Mission 1 — Day 1

"What Went Wrong?"

 

Investigate

Articles of Confederation (1777) | National Archives

Articles of Confederation - Weaknesses, Definition, Date | HISTORY

 

Step 1: Read the assigned sources about the Articles of Confederation.

Step 2: Identify what powers the national government had and what powers it lacked (copy and paste relevant information from the sources).

Step 3: Identify at least three weaknesses of the Articles.

Step 4: Complete the Day 1 questions.

 

Day 1 Questions

  1. What were the Articles of Confederation, and why were they created?
  2. What powers did Congress have under the Articles of Confederation?
  3. What important powers did Congress lack?
  4. How did these weaknesses create problems for the new nation?
  5. Which weakness was most serious? Explain using evidence from the readings

EXIT TICKET (Hand in to me on your way out the door for credit): What was the most serious weakness of the Articles of Confederation, and why?

 

 

Mission 2 — Day 2

"Should We Create a Stronger Government?"

 

Investigate:

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/constitution/how-did-it-happen?

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

 

Step 1: Investigate these sources about the formation of the Constitution.

Step 2: Compare the Articles with the Constitution.

Step 3: Investigate Federalist and Anti-Federalist arguments.

Step 4: Decide which side you would have supported in 1788.

Step 5: Answer Day 2 Questions

 

Day 2 Questions

  1. Why was the Constitutional Convention held?
  2. What major changes did the Constitution make compared with the Articles?
  3. How did the Constitution increase the power of the national government?
  4. Why did Federalists support the Constitution?
  5. Why did Anti-Federalists oppose or criticize it?
  6. If you lived in 1788, would you support ratification? Why?

EXIT TICKET: "I would/would not ratify the Constitution because..."

 

 

Mission 3 — Day 3

"What Protections Are Needed?"

 

Investigate the Bill of Rights.

The Bill of Rights: What Does it Say? | National Archives

Proposed Amendments to the U.S. Constitution as Passed by the Senate, Printed September 14, 1789

 

Step 1: Examine the Bill of Rights sources.

Step 2: Identify what rights are protected by the first ten amendments.

Step 3: Connect those amendments to concerns about government power.

Step 4: Decide whether the Bill of Rights adequately addressed those concerns.

Step 5: Answer Day 3 Questions

 

Day 3 Questions

  1. What is the Bill of Rights?
  2. Why did Anti-Federalists believe a Bill of Rights was necessary?
  3. Which concerns about government power are addressed by the Bill of Rights?
  4. Did the Bill of Rights adequately address the concerns of Anti-Federalists? Why or why not?

     

Evaluation

Your Assignment:

Write a 1–2 page Constitutional Advisor Recommendation answering:

"Did the Constitution successfully solve the problems created by the Articles of Confederation while protecting individual liberty?"

Your recommendation has to:

  • Identify at least one important weakness of the Articles of Confederation.
  • Explain how the Constitution addressed that weakness.
  • Explain one Federalist argument and one Anti-Federalist argument.
  • Explain why the Bill of Rights was created.
  • Use evidence from at least three WebQuest sources.
  • Address an opposing viewpoint or counterclaim.

Your recommendation should show that you can connect the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution, the Federalist and Anti-Federalist debate, and the Bill of Rights.

Rubric:

Criteria 4 3 2 1
Historical Understanding Accurately explains all major concepts Mostly accurate Some inaccuracies Limited understanding
Use of Evidence Uses 3+ strong pieces of evidence Uses 3 relevant pieces Uses 1–2 pieces Little/no evidence
Analysis & Reasoning Clearly connects Articles, Constitution, debate, and Bill of Rights Explains major connections Some connections Mostly summary
Multiple Perspectives Thoughtfully addresses opposing perspectives Addresses another perspective Mentions another perspective No opposing perspective