AMERICAN REVOLUTION & DEMOCRATIC IDEALS

Unit Study Guide

In the years prior to the American Revolution, British attempts to place greater controls on the American colonies led to widespread resistance. In this section, students will read interpretations from two major historians who disagreed on whether colonial leaders were motivated by selfish or ideological reasons. In the process, they will investigate how the preamble and the grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence could support either interpretation.

Learning Objectives

I can list the actions taken by King George III and Parliament that alienated the colonists prior to the American Revolution.
I can identify the ideological arguments given by Bernard Bailyn for why the Founding Fathers supported separation from England.
I can identify the reasons that Howard Zinn believed that the Founding Fathers sought separation from England for selfish reasons.
I can summarize the main points of the Declaration of Independence's preamble and list of grievances.
I can compare the arguments of Patriots and Loyalists at the Second Continental Congress in support or opposition to independence.
I can identify key similarities between the American Revolution and the Syrian War.

Activities

American Revolution & democratic ideals lecture: Students will take part in an interactive lecture on the actions taken by King George III and Parliament that alienated the colonists prior to the American Revolution.
Declaration of Independence activity: Students will read passages by historians Bernard Bailyn and Howard Zinn on why the Founding Fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence. After identifying how their arguments differ, students will read both the preamble and the list of grievances from the document and will identify which parts appear to support which historians' interpretation.
History Today - Syrian revolution: Students will watch "The War in Syria explained in 5 minutes" in order to better understand the crisis and record the similarities and differences between the American Revolution and Syria's war.
1776: The Musical: Students will watch 1776: The Musical, revealing that arguments presented at the Second Continental Congress both in support of, and opposing, independence.

The quiz for the "American Revolution and democratic ideals" section will be held on Friday, September 22, 2017. You will want to study the American Revolution & democratic ideals lecture notes, Declaration of Independence activity, American Revolution vs. Syrian War comparison chart, and the 1776: The Musical chart.

THE FAILURE OF THE ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION

Learning Objectives

I can list the powers, and limitations of power, held by the federal government under the Articles of Confederation.
I can discuss the problems caused by creating too weak of a federal government under the Articles and how it led to the writing of the Constitution.

Activities

The failure of the Articles of Confederation lecture: Students will take part in an interactive lecture that explores the country's first constitution - the Articles of Confederation - discussing both its' strengths and weaknesses.

THE CONSTITUTION AND THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT

Learning Objectives

I can discuss the debates surrounding the writing and ratification of the Constitution, including the need for separation of powers, checks and balances, and the addition of the Bill of Rights.

Activities

Students will first watch Key Constitutional Concepts from the Annenberg Foundation.
The Constitution and the structure of government lecture: Students will take part in an interactive lecture that explores the framework of the American government outlined in the Constitution, as well as the compromises that were made in order for the document to be ratified.

INALIENABLE RIGHTS AS SEE IN THE BILL OF RIGHTS

Learning Objectives

I can list and explain the first ten amendments to the US Constitution and apply them to real-world situations.

FEDERAL VS STATE AUTHORITY IN THE NATION

Learning Objectives

I can describe the arguments of Jefferson and Hamilton on state versus federal authority.
I can give historical and modern examples of conflicts between supporters of state versus federal authority, including debates on the Alien & Sedition Acts, the Tariff of Abominations, and slavery prior to the Civil War.

Activities

State v. Federal Power: DACA: Students will learn about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and how it relates to the structure of the federal government.

FINAL ASSESSMENT - FREEDOM ONE PAGER: Students will construct one-pagers identifying why our Founding Fathers decided to break from England and the barriers they put into place to ensure that their new government protected their freedoms. (RUBRIC)

FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND FREE EXERCISE

Learning Objectives

1. I can explain both the Free Exercise and Establishment clauses of the First Amendment, including the debate on the separation of church and state.

Activities

In groups, students will examine a court case in which the "Establishment Clause" or the "Free Exercise Clause" of the First Amendment had been purportedly violated and will determine what the Supreme Court ruled. Here is an example of a PowerPoint you should create. Please use this answer key to fill in what other groups presented. An additonal study sheet with summaries of each case can be found using this link. Peer feedback for group work can be given here.