Founding Fathers

Constitutional Debate

Founding Fathers Constitutional Debate

Introduction:

Federal vs. State, republic vs. democracy, hierarchy vs. egalitarianism? What did the Founding Fathers think about the Constitution, and do their ideals align with yours? You debate -- you decide!

Assignment:

STEP 1: Read the Assigned Resources below

ATA - Articles of Confederation.pdf

The Great Debate - The Road to the Constitution.pdf

ATA Anti-Federalist vs Federalist Perspectives.pdf

STEP 2: Take the “Am I a Federalist or Anti-Federalist?” Quiz by clicking here

STEP 3: You will write 1-2 paragraph description that answers ALL of the questions listed below AND includes at least one QUOTE from one of the Founding Fathers. You will then DEBATE these ideas in class. Your response should be written as a response to the following:

  1. Are the Articles of Confederation the best option for our nation, or is the system too flawed to promote stability and prosperity?

  2. Are you a Federalist or Anti-Federalist, and why do you feel this way?

  3. What should be done to help our new nation run more smoothly? 

  4. Should we (1) Unite around a new constitution? (2) Clearly define individual rights, and simply revise the current Articles of Confederation? (3) Trust the common citizen to decide the right course for our new nation and abandon any form of federal government?

  5. Which Founding Fathers support your claims?

DEBATE:

In class, we will debate the topics listed above, but we will also discuss the following issues (feel free to prepare your arguments):

  1. Should the United States have an Electoral College? Click here to watch a video about the issue.

  2. What political party are you? Click here to take the quiz

  3. Is our nation so polarized (divided) that unity is impossible? What do you think our nation needs in order to be successful and (hopefully) find unity?

    • Should the United States use the Electoral College in its Presidential elections, or should direct popular vote determine the election of the President?

    • Should the voting age be lowered to 16 in the United States?

    • Should the United States implement stricter gun control measures in an effort to reduce gun violence?

    • How should the United States address the issue of student loan debt and make higher education more affordable?

    • Is universal healthcare a fundamental right for American citizens?

    • Should abortion be banned nationally as a federal crime?

    • What role should the United States government take in addressing climate change?

    • Should the federal minimum wage be increased to $15 per hour to provide better economic opportunity for teens and unskilled labor in the workforce?

    • Should comprehensive sex education be a mandatory part of the American high school curriculum, or should it be left to parental discretion?

Extra:

Want to slam your political opponents and put them to shame? Keep your street and consult with the O.G. Bard of Stratford-Upon-Avon with these delightful Shakespearean slams: http://departingthetext.blogspot.com/2011/11/saucy-shakespearean-slings.html