This is a in-class activity worth 50pts.
News Flash: Mr. Achs’ American Government classes acquired a massive time machine and were able to successfully transport their class back into time to visit and discuss with great political theorists of the 1700s. Students analyzed and began to understand the philosophical roots of the Constitution by examining a wide variety of ideas about government held by prominent thinkers of that time period, the Age of Enlightenment. Great thinkers present were John Locke, Baron Montesquieu, King Louis XIV, Thomas Hobbs, Chief Hiawatha of the Iroquois League, and Abigail Adams.
Students focused on their beliefs as to whether people can be trusted to govern. With this background information, students were then able the next day to critically analyze the Constitution and its “timeless” ideas and principles.
Alternative assignment: In one paragraph, 4-6 sentences, summarize the basic ideology of each of the six great thinkers.