MicrosoftTopic outline
- General
- What Did the Framers Have in Mind When They Created the Constitution?
What Did the Framers Have in Mind When They Created the Constitution?
The Constitution of the United States is the “blueprint” that shaped the establishment of our governmental institutions. It was developed by fifty-five men who met in Philadelphia in 1787 as delegates from twelve of the thirteen newly formed states that had declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776. Many were students of the history of government in western civilization from the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans to their day. Many were also experienced in government and knowledgeable about government of their colonies for the more than 150 years before the American Revolution resulted in their independence. They used this knowledge and experience in creating the Constitution. This video explains why they created the kind of system they established which has lasted with significant modifications to this day.Section 1: Setting the Context (1607-1763)
- Discussion and research questions
Section 2: Setting the Context (continued)
- Discussion and research questions
Section 3: Setting the Context (continued)
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Section 4: Agreements among Framers: Republic vs. Democracy
- Discussion and research questions
Section 5: Federalism
- Discussion and research questions
Section 6: Selection of Presidents and Members of Congress
- Discussion and research questions
Section 7: Balance of Powers
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Section 8: Disagreements among the Framers on Slavery, Political Representation, Individual Rights
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Section 9: Matters Included or Not Dealt With in the Constitution That Led to Amendments
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Section 10: Strengths of the Political System: Citizens’ Voices in Decision-Making
- Discussion and research questions
Section 11: Strengths of the Political System: Procedural Justice
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Section 12: Strengths of the Political System: Majority Rule, Minority Rights; Constitutionalism; Rule of Law; Internal and External Checks on the System
- Discussion and research questions
Section 13: Final Comments
- Discussion and research questions