Spread of Opinion: Liberal vs. Conservative Views on the Constitution

U.S. History I or Government

Constitution/ Founders

Spread of Opinion: Liberal vs. Conservative views on the Constitution

Concepts can be adapted to many other lessons

Objective: there are many beliefs concerning constitution this is a great way to introduce Federalist vs. Anti- Federalist views and can be called back upon during the remainder of the term.

 The Idea for this lesson came from: Values Clarification: a Handbook of Practical Strategies for Teachers and Students (Simon ©1972) Strategy Number 9

This lesson should be used after studding the constitution so that students understand the powers given by the constitution but before studding the views of the Federalist papers to try to keep bios untainted.

If Desired Divide students into groups of 5 or 6 assign these groups if desired to mix students from what you know of their views to create more discussions in groups (Friends usually think alike).

Reminded students that their views are to be valued and that what is shared within this discussion are in some circumstances to be considered personal and should not be shared out of classroom without their consent.

Give each group the topic of Views of the Federal System (Federal system should have been covered in lesson in the constitution)

State Standards
Idaho: G 1.1 / 4.1 & US1 1.2 /4.1
Utah: G 1.1 / 1.3 & US1 6.1 /6.2
 

Assignment: from what they know students should come up with 5 or 6 possible position from ultra conservative to ultra liberal, each member of the group takes one of these positions and writes a paragraph about one of the views not necessarily their own if group thinks of more than members in group have them write a sentence view

-          Have packet prepared with information on views if after a students have tried to come up with ideas and if they are not coming up with appropriate views

When finished in groups have group members reveal their views and discuss. After individual groups discuss have each grope reveal their place on continuum, in fact of class and begin discussion once each group has gone to their place in the continuum.

Example of a possible continuum, Views of the Constitution:

Ultra Conservative	Jefferson	Limited Government all rights to the people. Constitution makes government to big anti federalist against the constitution	Other examples: KKK
Conservative	Madison	Need for some government. Believed constitution suppose to limited government to protect the rights of the people. Constitution is a sealing to keep the reach of government limited, believes constitution gives more power to strong states over the central government.	Tea Party
Leans Conservative
Moderate	Washington	Can see the pros and cons to both sides believes that slow progress is stable.	Balance within Supreme Court (5-4 rulings’)
Leans Liberal
Liberal	Adams	Central government key to be strong constitution is a floor to build on. Central government should be stronger than the states.
Ultra Liberal	Hamilton	Central Government to control all rights if not in the constitution can still be able to do it	Black Panthers Roe v. Wade

Assignment/ Assessment: Participation and paragraph as well as any notes gathered on perspectives on the constitution.