Ch2+-+The+Constitution

Chapter 2 - The Constitution

...the American Constitution is, so far as I can see, the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man. -William Gladstone, 1878
Additional Readings: Federalists Papers

Team 1 (Sam, Hailey, Kirsten)
 * 9
 * 10

Team 2 (Shayla and Shawn)
 * 47
 * 48

Team 3 (Evan and Dustin) $57
 * 51

Assignment Step 1 - Read your assigned Federalist Papers. Step 2 - Discuss your assigned Federalist Papers with your group. Step 3 - Prepare a brief (10 min) presentation with handout. You maybe as creative as you wish. How will you be able to remember the essence of a specific Federalist Paper in May for the AP exam.

PowerPoints



Amendment Activity

1. Evaluate the amendment process. Should there be changes to the process that make it easier or more difficult to amend the Constitution? Why or why not?

2. Write an amendment that you would like added to the Constitution and choose the process you would use. Explain the reasons for your amendment and choice of process.

Shay's Rebellion

[|MSNBC - Amending the Constitution]

Jefferson vs. Marshall

1. Explain the notion of "higher law" by which the colonists felt they were entitled to certain "natural rights." List these rights. 2. How can any government be strong enough to govern without threatening freedom? 3. List and discuss the shortcomings of government under the Articles of Confederation. 4. What affect did Shay’s Rebellion and the Quakers protest of the Pennsylvania Constitution have upon the framers? 5. Compare and contrast the Virginia and New Jersey plans, and show how they led to the "Great Compromise." 6. For what reasons did the framers create a “republic”? 7. Explain why separation of powers and federalism became key parts of the Constitution. 8. Explain why a bill of rights was not initially included in the Constitution and why it was added. 9. List and explain the two major types of constitutional reform advocated today, along with specific reform measures.