United States History Student Edition

06

INQUIRY ACTIVITY

FLORIDA BENCHMARKS

Multiple Perspectives: For and Against Ratifying the Constitution ? COMPELLING QUESTION What concerns do people have when forming a government?

• SS.8.A.1.6 • SS.8.A.1.7 • SS.8.A.3.5 • SS.8.CG.3.1

• SS.8.A.1.1 • SS.8.A.1.2 • SS.8.A.1.3 • SS.8.A.1.4

Plan Your Inquiry DEVELOPING QUESTIONS

Background Information After the Constitutional Convention of 1787, many of the Framers worked to encourage public support for the document they had drafted. They wrote letters, gave speeches, and created pamphlets to persuade others that their plan for a new government was a good one. Some Framers, and other citizens, still had reservations about the new plan of government and made their opinions known. All of these different points of view influenced the ratification process. This lesson includes documents, letters, and images related to this period in American history. As you examine each source, consider the creator’s perspective and views on the U.S. Constitution. Also make note of the different arguments, both for and against, the adoption of the document.

Think about the debates that occurred during the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. Consider the plan the delegates created for the new government, the concerns they discussed, and the compromises that were reached. Also think about how other citizens who were not delegates to the convention might have considered the new Constitution. Then read the Compelling Question for this lesson. What questions can you ask to help you answer this Compelling Question? Create a graphic organizer like the one below. Write your Supporting Questions in your graphic organizer.

What this source tells me about the concerns of people forming a government

Questions the source leaves unanswered

Supporting Questions Source

A B C D E F G

ANALYZING SOURCES Next, examine the primary sources in this lesson. Analyze each source by answering the questions that follow it. How does each source help you answer each Supporting Question you created? What questions do you still have? Write these in your graphic organizer.

At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, the delegates gathered in this room in what is today called Independence Hall in the city of Philadelphia.

After you analyze the sources, you will: • use the evidence from the sources • communicate your conclusions • take informed action

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