The Constitutional Convention

On May 25, 1787, fifty-five delegates met in the old Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The purpose of this Convention was to revise the Articles of Confederation and compensate for its shortcomings. However, the Convention ended with the United States Constitution, a new system of government, and this Convention became known as the Constitutional Convention.

On September 17, 1787, the United States Constitution, which laid out and dictated how the new system of government, was signed by twenty-seven of the fifty delegates of the Constitutional Convention. This document was presented to the states later that month, discussed, defended and debated and eventually ratified the next year.

This Lesson Plan can be used as a prepared resource by following this curriculum plan which aligns to NCSS and Common Core Standards.

This Lesson Plan's assets can also be used on their own as supplemental resources. The display format is prepared for easy access, exploring, and learning.

Curriculum Modules

Module | 5 Lesson Plans

1783-1812 Module

This set of lesson plans focuses on historic events between the end of the Revolutionary War in 1783 and the beginning of the War of 1812, with a...

Upon completion of this lesson, the students will be able to:

1. Knowledge

Recognize the importance of the Constitutional Convention.
Discuss some of the compromises from the convention and how they were reflected in the Constitution.

2. Comprehension/Application/Analysis

Examine a primary source and analyze arguments for or against the ratification of the Constitution.

3. Evaluation

Consider how the phrase “We The People” from the Preamble of the Constitution was reflected or challenged in the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention and the ratification process.
Evaluate a Federalist or Anti-Federalist argument from the ratification period for the Constitution.

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Constitutional Convention Lesson Plan Teaching Guide.pdf

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The Constitutional Convention PowerPoint.pptx

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Constitution Convention Lesson Plan Worksheet.pdf

Check out the Lesson Plan Teaching Guide for more instructions on using the prepared Lesson Plan.

Lesson Plan Primary Source Activity

Use the Lesson’s PowerPoint to explore the context and history; the PowerPoint introduce an Essential Question and lays foundational knowledge about the Constitutional Convention and the drafting of the Constitution of the United States.
Let students choose a primary source/document to study from this list (included on their worksheets). The primary sources are all available on the Lesson Plan Page, under the category “Primary Sources.” This can be done in groups or individually.
Distribute the primary source worksheet.
Students will read their selected primary source and fill out or discuss the questions.
Invite the students to share their findings or their reflections from Part 5 in a classroom discussion.

OPTIONAL HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT/ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES:

Option 1: Biographies

Have the students select a historical person connected to the Constitutional Convention. (There are 6 biography articles already prepared on the Lesson Plan Page). The students will read the biography and make notes for the following topics. Students can write a short essay, share their findings verbally, or incorporate their findings into a larger class project that might include art, costumes, or props.

Key Life Events:

Identify and describe three key events or milestones in the life of the individual. How did these events shape or influence their character, achievements, or contributions?

Legacy and Impact:

Reflect on the individual's lasting legacy and impact on society. What are the person's major contributions or accomplishments? Do you think these accomplishments were good? How have their actions influenced the course of history or inspired others?

Option 2: “Summer of the Constitution”

While the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention were kept secret during the summer of 1787 at the time to allow better debate and discussion, it was not a secret that 55 delegates were assembling to discuss government in the United States.

Read this article: Philadelphia in 1787.

Have the students write a letter or a diary entry as though they lived in Philadelphia during the summer of 1787. Students can describe who they have seen, what they wonder about the convention and some of scenes and happenings in the city.

Common Core State Standards- ELA & History/Social Studies

Grades 6-8

Key Ideas and Details:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.2
  - Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
Craft and Structure:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.6
  - Identify aspects of a text that reveal an author's point of view or purpose (e.g., loaded language, inclusion or avoidance of particular facts).
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.8
  - Distinguish among fact, opinion, and reasoned judgment in a text.

Grades 9-10

Key Ideas and Details:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.1
  - Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, attending to such features as the date and origin of the information.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2
  - Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of how key events or ideas develop over the course of the text.
Craft and Structure:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.5
  - Analyze how a text uses structure to emphasize key points or advance an explanation or analysis.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.8
  - Assess the extent to which the reasoning and evidence in a text support the author's claims.

Grades 11-12

Key Ideas and Details:
- CSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.2
  - Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary that makes clear the relationships among the key details and ideas.
Craft and Structure:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.6
  - Evaluate authors' differing points of view on the same historical event or issue by assessing the authors' claims, reasoning, and evidence.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.11-12.8
  - Evaluate an author's premises, claims, and evidence by corroborating or challenging them with other information.

Social Studies - National Council for the Social Studies