A New NAtion

Founding of the U. S. - a constitutional republic

Maps & Images

Map of North America while the 13 Colonies were still governing themselves independently. In 1777, John Dickenson wrote the Articles of Confederation, an agreement to help one another, but this document was too weak.

Map of North America after the U.S.Constitution was ratified and each state had it's own state constitution, but were governed by the U.S. Constitution, as well. Note the dates each state ratified (approved by vote) the Constitution.

Branches of Government

System of Checks & Balances - U. S. Constitution

Vocabulary

CITIZENSHIP - the fact or status of being a citizen of a particular place; the qualities that a person is expected to have as a responsible member of a community

FEDERAL SYSTEM - a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units

COMPROMISE - a way of reaching agreement in which each person or group gives up something that was wanted in order to end an argument or dispute

AMENDMENT - a change in the words or meaning of a law or document such as a constitution

RATIFICATION - to make a treaty, agreement, or law official by signing it or voting for it

POLITICAL PARTY - a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government

CAUSE AND EFFECT - a cause-effect relationship is a relationship in which one event (the cause) makes another event happen (the effect)

CONFEDERATION - a group of people, countries, organizations, etc., that are joined together in some activity or effort

CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC - a state where the officials are elected as representatives of the people, and must govern according to existing constitutional law that limits the government's power over citizens

CHECKS AND BALANCES - a system in which the different parts of an organization (such as a government) have powers that affect and control the other parts so that no part can become too powerful

NATIONAL - of or relating to an entire nation or country

STATEHOOD - the condition of being a state; especially; the condition or status of being one of the states of the United States

VETO - a decision by a person in authority to not allow or approve something (such as a new law)

FEDERALIST - a member of a major political party in the early years of the U.S. that wanted a strong central government or more government control

ANTI-FEDERALIST - a member of a major political party in the early years of the U.S. that opposed the adoption of the United States Constitution and wanted a limited central government

PEOPLE to KNOW

(Click each image to link to the biography)

James Madison was called the "Father of the Constitution" because he formulated many of the ideas included in the Constitution such as the three branches of government. His Virginia Plan (based on the Virginia Constitution he helped develop) served as the basis for the Constitution. He argued for a strong central government.

James Madison

Charles Pinckney

Charles Pinckney was an American statesman and signer of the U.S. Constitution. He represented South Carolina at the Constitutional Convention and was a strong supporter of a strong national government. His ideas and wording make up a good portion of the U.S. Constitution, including the statement in Article VI that states, “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the authority of the United States." He also served as a lieutenant in the Continental Army, in the Continental Congress, and the South Carolina state legislature. He was governor of South Carolina and a member of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

George Mason was a leading anti-federalist who opposed having a strong national government and feared that it would overrule state decisions. He fought for addition of individual and states’ rights in the Constitution to balance increased federal powers. He did not sign the Constitution because he thought it gave the federal government too much power and because he opposed slavery, which was not directly addressed in the Constitution. His courage to speak up for his beliefs was instrumental in adding the Bill of Rights to the Constitution.

George Mason

Roger Sherman

Roger Sherman represented Connecticut, a small state, at the Constitutional Convention, and was largely known for his contributions towards bicameralism, where there would be equity between large and small states in relation to their representation in the national government. His ideas and the ability to persuade others to support them led to The Great Compromise where the legislature is made up of the House of Representatives (number of delegates is based on state population) and the Senate (two senators from each state).

read all about it!

(linked articles)

The Founding of the United States

Branches of Government

United States Constitution

Bill of Rights

Other Important Amendments:

Elections

Fun Zone

Click on the images to play the games and take quizzes on this unit. Watching the videos (above) will help you win the games. You play and take the quizzes as many times as you'd like.

(Click on the Eagle BELOW to play the game)

General Resources: Many of the wonderful resources found throughout this site are gathered from dozens of available links from other dynamic teachers, districts or organizations accessible on the web. The external resources are not the property of Lubbock I.S.D.

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