From the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution
Unit At A Glance
This unit designed for the fifth grade includes three detailed lessons beginning with the definition of democracy and continues until students, as delegates, write a new constitution in the year 2777.
California Content Standards
This unit is designed to address the following California State Board of Education's content standards for History-Social Science. See below for specific standards addressed. For more information on the standards, or to see the complete list, please visit: www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/
Content Standards
5.7
5.7.1.
5.7.3.
5.7.4
Click here to get more details on these standards and Common Core information
Big Ideas/Essential Questions
BIG IDEAS
The strength of a democracy is equal to the strength of its citizens
E Pluribus Unum: out of many, one
Through actions come change, and change in the political process involves participation. (The political process involves participation; understanding requires student engagement. Integration and application of new learning in multiple learning modalities helps students deepen understanding.)
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS/ISSUES
1. Does social capital strengthen a republic?
2. Is citizenship a right or responsibility?
3. Can a society exist peacefully without a democratic system?
4. How might our country be different today if the Articles of Confederation had not been replaced with the Constitution?
Concepts and Skills Students Will Learn
Note: The basic elements and design of creating a PowerPoint have been taught prior to this unit.
Lesson One—Our Government Today… What a System!
- Meaning of democracy
- Principles of the Constitution
- Three Branches of Government
- First Ten Amendments
- Constitution is a “Living Document”
Lesson Two—Articles of Confederation…Well, They Were Trying!
- The Articles of Confederation
- The shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation
Lesson Three—A New Constitution...Your Turn!
- Closing authentic assessment and rubric
- Students create a Constitution for the United States in the year 2777