To Sign or Not to Sign: The Ultimate Constitution Day Lesson Plan
The National Constitution Center
CATEGORY
General
GRADE LEVEL
Middle School , High School
OVERVIEW
From the moment students enter the room, they will begin to examine and understand the role of the people in the Constitution. When students enter, they are asked to respond to a question posted at the front of the room. Students then watch a short video that gives a brief explanation of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, or listen as the transcript of the video is read aloud. Constitutions are provided so that in small groups, students can examine Article VII and rewrite it in their own words. The educator will then lead a discussion using the questions provided that examine the significance of signing the document and the even greater importance of Article VII, the revolutionary and powerful idea that it is the people who ultimately consent to the government framed by the Constitution. The importance of the amendment process, as a crucial element in keeping the document relevant, and one of the people, is highlighted in the remaining discussion questions. Websites containing primary sources from supporters of ratification and dissenters are provided for further reading, should you decide to use them.
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