Lesson 2.01 Problems for the New Nation

• Introduction
• Learn
• Try It
• Task

Introduction

Enduring Knowledge: The first written plan of government for the United States was so weak that a new plan was created at the Constitutional Convention.

You learned about the foundations of democracy and the importance of the rights and roles of citizens in the previous unit. In this unit, you will learn how the idea of "We the People" was actually born out of necessity for a stronger central government at the Constitutional Convention.

Can you think of a situation when you had a disagreement with a friend that was very difficult to resolve but you eventually worked it out? Life is full of compromises. We compromise every day even about the simplest things like what to eat or which movie to watch with our family or friends. The delegates at the Constitutional Convention certainly had disagreements, some of which seemed impossible to work through. Thank goodness, they were able to compromise on their differences and create an amazing Constitution that still exists today!

Name at least two people you recognize who were present at the signing of the Constitution. Click markers on the image to learn more about the key players at the Constitutional Convention.

Open the Constitutional Convention in a new tab | Constitutional Convention text version

This 1940 painting by Howard Chandler Christy depicts the signing of the Constitution in 1787.

Lesson Objectives Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to: identify the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. explain how Shays' Rebellion reflected the need for a stronger national government. summarize the significance of the Articles of Confederation and Shays' Rebellion on the writing and ratification of the Constitution. identify the significant players and compromises at the Constitutional Convention. The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Government objective(s): 2. This lesson incorporates the following Literacy Standards: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, W1,W2, W3, W4, W6, W8 and W9.