Unit Overview:  How does the Constitution help us understand what it means to be an American?

In this unit, students will explore the development and ratification of the United States Constitution. They will investigate the individuals involved in creating the government, their differing opinions on governance, and the compromises made to establish a functioning system. Students will examine how the Constitution has evolved throughout U.S. history to safeguard the rights of all people. They will analyze significant historical documents, such as the Constitution itself, to understand the principles of American democracy and the foundational events that led to the establishment of the United States government. Students will also explore the structure and functions of the three branches of government and how the Constitution balances power between national and state governments.  Throughout the unit, students will engage in critical thinking, discussions, and research to develop a comprehensive understanding of the formation of the United States government and the significance of the Constitution in safeguarding individual rights and democratic principles.

The highlighted evidence outcomes are the priority for all students, serving as the essential concepts and skills. It is recommended that the remaining evidence outcomes listed be addressed as time allows, representing the full breadth of the curriculum.

Students Can (Evidence Outcomes):

• Recognize how historical context can affect the perspective of historical sources.(1.1.a)

• Examine significant historical documents. For example: the Stamp Act, the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution. (1.1.b)

• Interpret timelines of eras and themes in North America from early Indigenous Peoples through the European age of Exploration/post-Columbian colonization and the establishment of the United States Government. (1.1.c)

• Analyze cartoons, artifacts, artwork, charts, and graphs related to eras and themes in early North America. (1.1.d)

• Explain interactions among various groups such as Indigenous Peoples, enslaved individuals (both Indigenous and African), and European colonists. For example: The cultural genocide of Indigenous Peoples, chattel slavery of Africans, the League of the Iroquois, Spanish missions, and trade networks.  (1.2.a)

• Describe and explain examples of individual rights as a foundation of citizenship. (4.1.a)

• Give examples of group and individual actions that illustrate civic ideals in the founding of the United States. For example: freedom, rule of law, equality, civility, cooperation, respect, responsibility, and civic participation. (4.1.b)

• Discuss how the concept of citizenship changed over time in the early American colonies. (4.1.c)

• Explain the foundational documents and significance of the events that led to the establishment of the United States government. Including but not limited to the Philadelphia Convention, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Iroquois Confederacy, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. (4.2.a)

• Identify political principles of American democracy and how the Constitution and Bill of Rights reflect and preserve these principles. (4.2.b)

• Explain the origins, structures, and functions of the three branches of the United States government and the relationships among them. (4.2.c)

• Describe how the Constitution balances the power of national and state governments (4.2.d)

Possible Assessments:

• Chapter 6 Inquiry Project: Which Side Will You Choose?  (Inquiry Journal pp. 218-219); 

• Chapter 6 Pretest (T486)

• Ongoing Lesson Assessments: Stop and Check, Check for Success, Report your Findings Chpt 4 (T-4806)

• Online Lesson and Chapter Assessments

Instructional Resources & Notes:

• Chapter 6 from Impact

  • Research Companion:  (pp 282-319, 320-325)

  • Inquiry Journal: (pp 218-221, 246-249)

  • Explorer Magazine

  • Lesson Videos