5.2 Constitution and Compromise

1. 5.2 Constitution and Compromise • 8.2.3Evaluate the major debates that occurred during the development of the Constitution and their ultimate resolutions in such areas as shared power among institutions, divided state-federal power, slavery, the rights of individuals and states (later addressed by the addition of the Bill of Rights), and the status of American Indian nations under the commerce clause. • 8.2.4Describe the political philosophy underpinning the Constitution as specified in the Federalist Papers (authored by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay) and the role of such leaders as Madison, George Washington, Roger Sherman, Gouverneur Morris, and James Wilson in the writing and ratification of the Constitution. • 8.2.6 Enumerate the powers of government set forth in the Constitution and the fundamental liberties ensured by the Bill of Rights.

2. Essential Questions • In what two ways did the Constitution prevent one branch of government from gaining too much power? • What were the Antifederalists main concerns about the Constitution? • What does it mean that the Constitution is a living document?

3. Primary Source and Questions • Read page 618 in your textbook and answer the three questions. • For the 3rd question, a copy of the First Amendment to the Constitution is on page 114 of your textbook. • You have 20 minutes, this is review on the creation of state constitutions, importance of an addition of a bill of rights, and influence of adding them to the United States Constitution.

4. Answers • According to Jefferson, civil rights should not be affected by religious beliefs. • Jefferson means that freedom of religion is a basic right that the government should have no power to take away. • Compare The First Amendment forbids Congress from making laws about religion, which the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom says would take away people’s basic rights.

5. Study Guide • Copy and complete the study guide on page 39. • Use your notes or textbook pg. 86-91 to find the answers. • You have 30 minutes, this is review on the compromise made during the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

6. Primary Source and Questions • Read page 619 in your textbook and answer the three questions. • This will preview the lecture next week on the debates for the ratification of the Constitution. • You have 20 minutes.

7. Answers • Madison considers the most important quality of a Republic to be that it gets its power from the entire society. • Madison shows that people have power because they directly elect the House of Representatives and indirectly the President and the Senate. Madison also notes that government officials are elected for limited periods of time, so the people can make choices again wen their terms expire. • “Draw Inferences” answers will vary but should show students’ understanding that people were familiar and comfortable with their state governments.

8. Study Guide • Copy and complete the study guide on page 42. • Use your textbook pg. 92-95 or summary before the study guide to complete your assignment. • This assignment will also preview the debates on the ratification of the Constitution. • You have 30 mins.

9. What/Why Important/As A Result • Create and complete a What/Why Important/ As A Result vocabulary chart for these three words: • Ratify • Bill of Rights • Amendments • If not completed in class, it is homework.