The Constitutional Convention: A Tour of Signers Hall

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Social Studies

Grade(s)

12

Overview

This is a video from the National Constitution Center, guest-starring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. In this free video, the Constitutional Convention celebrates the writing of the Constitution by going inside the Convention at the National Constitution Center’s Signers’ Hall! Students learn about the ideas behind the document and see the life-size statues while getting to know some of the most famous Founding Fathers. Students talk about the system of government which the Constitution created and get an up-close look at how the balance of powers protects our freedoms as citizens. This video can be used as an introduction to a lesson or unit on the Constitution.

Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 12 - United States Government

SS10.USG.3

Analyze major features of the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights for purposes, organization, functions, and principles, including rule of law, federalism, limited government, popular sovereignty, judicial review, separation of powers, and checks and balances.

UP:SS10.USG.3

Vocabulary

  • rule of law
  • federalism
  • limited government
  • popular sovereignty
  • judicial review
  • separation of powers
  • checks and balances
  • ratification
  • Anti-Federalist
  • confederation
  • amending
  • Federalist
  • article of the Constitution

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Key principles of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights as well as their meaning.
  • Key arguments given by the Federalists and Anti-Federalists regarding the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
  • The Constitution is an evolving document through both formal and informal means.
  • The process by which an amendment can be added to the U.S. Constitution.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Outline the possible paths taken to ratify an amendment to the Constitution.
  • Interpret how constitutional principles are embedded in current and past issues in US history and politics.
  • Interpret primary documents from both Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
  • Analyze a given passage of the U.S. Constitution to identify how it relates to a key principle of American government.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Many key principles of the Constitution, including judicial review, federalism, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, rule of law, and popular sovereignty, are embedded in the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights and that their meaning has been debated throughout U.S. history.
Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 12 - United States Government

SS10.USG.14

Describe the role of citizens in American democracy, including the meaning, rights, and responsibilities of citizenship; due process and other rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States; and participation in the election process.

UP:SS10.USG.14

Vocabulary

  • value conflict
  • due process
  • majority rule
  • minority rights
  • civil disobedience
  • democratic society

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Expectations and responsibilities associated with U.S. citizenship. Rights afforded to U.S. citizens as found in the Bill of Rights, such as free exercise of religion and right to a fair trial.
  • Means of participation by citizens in the United States that shape the political process, such as voting and protesting.
  • How equally important American values and concepts, such as citizens' rights and the rule of law, can come into conflict amongst one another, such as national authority and state rights.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Critique the rights and responsibilities of citizens as they come into conflict with other constitutional rights and responsibilities of the American government.
  • Defend one perspective in a conflict amongst equally important American values or concepts.
  • Justify a means by which a citizen can influence the outcome of an election beyond voting.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Both rights and responsibilities are associated with American citizenship afforded to them by the American Constitution and the meaning of such rights is contested in certain circumstances.

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

Other

License Type

CUSTOM

Resource Provider other

National Constitution Center
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