We the People...
This week we had the opportunity to step back in time and recreate the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Leaders from the states (all except Rhode Island...what an independent minded state!) gathered in Philadelphia to correct the many weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Your introductions of the various leaders showed us that all the members were men, all were white and many were lawyers. It is interesting to note that the top three contenders for the democratic presidential nomination are lawyers and their spouses are lawyers. I wonder how our government might have been different if more farmers and small business owners had helped write the Constitution. I wonder if our government would be different today if a greater variety of professions sought out political offices.
The first major disagreement came between those members who wanted to amend the Articles and those who wanted to draft a new document. James Madison, “Father of the Constitution,” was able to move the participants in the direction of a new document by offering the Virginia Plan. One of your worksheets this week gave you the opportunity to compare the Virginia Plan, the New Jersey Plan and the final compromise sometimes know as the Connecticut Plan or the Great Compromise. Compromise was at the heart of the deliberations as issues came up that could have quickly divided the Convention. Another volatile issue was how to count slaves in determining each state’s representation in the House. No one was talking about actually having the slaves represented, but the Southern states wanted their numbers included in the population count for the distribution of seats in the House. The Three-fifths Compromise counted a portion of the slaves for the purposes of a population count.
The Constitutional Convention came up with a stronger national government system that contained a separation of powers between the three branches (legislative, executive and judicial) and provided for checks and balances. The Constitution balanced power among the branches and allowed for changes (amendments). The Constitution also contained a complex method of electing the President by establishing the Electoral College. The Founders were clearly concerned that “the people” may not always make the best decisions. Voters in each state would select electors who would select the President. Each state would get electoral votes based on the number of its representatives in the House plus the two Senators. Rhode Island has four electoral votes (2 members in the House plus 2 members of the Senate equals four).
Once the Constitution was written, it had to go before the people for ratification. Your worksheet for this section will help you organize the arguments in favor of the Constitution (Federalists) and the arguments against it (Anti-federalists). As you read section 3 in Chapter 5 of the text you will see that the deciding factor to support or not support the Constitution came down to the addition of the Bill of Rights. The Anti-federalists were very clear that they would withhold their support unless there was a guarantee that personal liberties would be clearly listed in a Bill of Rights.
Over the weekend you have an assignment that gives you the opportunity to identify our elected officials in 1787 and today. A picture/photo is part of the assignment so that you will start to recognize your representatives in the paper, on the news, or walking down the sidewalk. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the Union and you have ample opportunity to see our representatives. By including the photo in the assignment you will have extra confidence when you see them, so walk up, put out your hand and introduce yourself. In a few short years you will be a voter and you will want to learn more about these people as they vie for your vote. They will be anxious to shake your hand as studies have found that voters are more likely to vote for someone who has shaken their hand. Next time you watch one of the presidential candidates, notice how they work any large group of people...lots of glad handing!
Mid Year Exam Time
It is time for mid term exams and I hope you see this event as an opportunity to show your understanding of early American history. As you prepare for the exam, make sure to use your portfolio assignments, your text, study guide and the trusty blog!
The study guide will be distributed on Monday and is worth up to ten extra points. More details on that opportunity on Monday. MHS has also set aside Friday as our review day and our class has been moved to 11:00.
When reviewing the material keep in mind that we have been telling the story of the founding of our country. Think about the place, the plot and the characters involved. Try to get away from memorizing facts and think of how you would tell someone the story of colonization and settlement in the three regions (standard 1). How would you tell about the events leading up to the American Revolution and then the writing of our Constitution (standard 2)? It may be helpful to work with a parent or sibling who could listen and then ask you questions.
If you have kept up during the semester and you give yourself ample time to review the material, you should be confident on the day of your exam. The night before, check to make sure you have your study guide, as they will be collected prior to taking the exam. You may use pen or pencil for the exam. Come prepared and bring along a positive attitude.
231 Years Ago
“Common Sense” is celebrating its 231st birthday on January 15. Thomas Paine’s pamphlet clearly outlined the common sense arguments for the colonies to break away from England. In addition, he argued that people could establish their own governments and did not need kings or queens. As we discussed when we read portions of this 47-page document, it is considered the most influential pamphlet every written. It would not be surprising if you were asked about “Common Sense” on your mid-term exam!
The first major disagreement came between those members who wanted to amend the Articles and those who wanted to draft a new document. James Madison, “Father of the Constitution,” was able to move the participants in the direction of a new document by offering the Virginia Plan. One of your worksheets this week gave you the opportunity to compare the Virginia Plan, the New Jersey Plan and the final compromise sometimes know as the Connecticut Plan or the Great Compromise. Compromise was at the heart of the deliberations as issues came up that could have quickly divided the Convention. Another volatile issue was how to count slaves in determining each state’s representation in the House. No one was talking about actually having the slaves represented, but the Southern states wanted their numbers included in the population count for the distribution of seats in the House. The Three-fifths Compromise counted a portion of the slaves for the purposes of a population count.
The Constitutional Convention came up with a stronger national government system that contained a separation of powers between the three branches (legislative, executive and judicial) and provided for checks and balances. The Constitution balanced power among the branches and allowed for changes (amendments). The Constitution also contained a complex method of electing the President by establishing the Electoral College. The Founders were clearly concerned that “the people” may not always make the best decisions. Voters in each state would select electors who would select the President. Each state would get electoral votes based on the number of its representatives in the House plus the two Senators. Rhode Island has four electoral votes (2 members in the House plus 2 members of the Senate equals four).
Once the Constitution was written, it had to go before the people for ratification. Your worksheet for this section will help you organize the arguments in favor of the Constitution (Federalists) and the arguments against it (Anti-federalists). As you read section 3 in Chapter 5 of the text you will see that the deciding factor to support or not support the Constitution came down to the addition of the Bill of Rights. The Anti-federalists were very clear that they would withhold their support unless there was a guarantee that personal liberties would be clearly listed in a Bill of Rights.
Over the weekend you have an assignment that gives you the opportunity to identify our elected officials in 1787 and today. A picture/photo is part of the assignment so that you will start to recognize your representatives in the paper, on the news, or walking down the sidewalk. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the Union and you have ample opportunity to see our representatives. By including the photo in the assignment you will have extra confidence when you see them, so walk up, put out your hand and introduce yourself. In a few short years you will be a voter and you will want to learn more about these people as they vie for your vote. They will be anxious to shake your hand as studies have found that voters are more likely to vote for someone who has shaken their hand. Next time you watch one of the presidential candidates, notice how they work any large group of people...lots of glad handing!
Mid Year Exam Time
It is time for mid term exams and I hope you see this event as an opportunity to show your understanding of early American history. As you prepare for the exam, make sure to use your portfolio assignments, your text, study guide and the trusty blog!
The study guide will be distributed on Monday and is worth up to ten extra points. More details on that opportunity on Monday. MHS has also set aside Friday as our review day and our class has been moved to 11:00.
When reviewing the material keep in mind that we have been telling the story of the founding of our country. Think about the place, the plot and the characters involved. Try to get away from memorizing facts and think of how you would tell someone the story of colonization and settlement in the three regions (standard 1). How would you tell about the events leading up to the American Revolution and then the writing of our Constitution (standard 2)? It may be helpful to work with a parent or sibling who could listen and then ask you questions.
If you have kept up during the semester and you give yourself ample time to review the material, you should be confident on the day of your exam. The night before, check to make sure you have your study guide, as they will be collected prior to taking the exam. You may use pen or pencil for the exam. Come prepared and bring along a positive attitude.
231 Years Ago
“Common Sense” is celebrating its 231st birthday on January 15. Thomas Paine’s pamphlet clearly outlined the common sense arguments for the colonies to break away from England. In addition, he argued that people could establish their own governments and did not need kings or queens. As we discussed when we read portions of this 47-page document, it is considered the most influential pamphlet every written. It would not be surprising if you were asked about “Common Sense” on your mid-term exam!
posted by "1776 and More" at 6:53 AM
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