The Making Of

the US
Constitution
Day 4

Welcome Learners!
Find your name and take a seat.
Please get out your materials from our previous classes: the
graphic organizer, quotes from the Federalist and
Anti-Federalist Papers, comparison chart, and the essays
you wrote
Reflect on the following question: What side of the
Constitutional debate would you support? Why? Be
prepared to share!

Todays Agenda
Opening: Review LOs and
agenda
Debate preparation
Debate
Debrief
Closing: Final reflection

Review
How did the Articles of Confederation
lead to the debate between the
federalists and the anti-federalists?
What were some of the federalists main
arguments for ratifying the proposed
Constitution?
What were some of the anti-federalists
main arguments for not ratifying the
proposed Constitution?
What side of the Constitutional debate
would you support and why?

Todays Learning Objectives

I will be able to organize key arguments for either the federalist
or anti-federalist side of the Constitutional Convention. (create)

I will be able to argue and refute either the federalist or the

anti-federalist side of the Constitutional debate using relevant
evidence and sound valid reasoning. (evaluate)

Debate Preparation
Use the materials from our previous classes to help you fill out the graphic
organizer to come up with FOUR arguments and an opening statement
You will only be allowed to use this paper during the debate
You will be responding to the following question based on your groups
perspective: Is the best government the government that governs the
least?
Expectations of debates: come up with at least four arguments, support all
claims with at least three pieces of evidence, use evidence from multiple
sources, and all members will need to participate at least one time
throughout the debate

Debate

Each group will get five minutes to present their opening statement and
arguments
When your opponent is presenting, use the back side of the graphic organizer to
take notes to help you come up with your groups refute
After each group presents their opening, you will get three minutes with your
group to come up with your teams refute
Each group will get three minutes to present their refutes
Remember:
All members will each need to participate at least one time
You need to support all claims with at least three pieces of evidence
Use clear pronunciation, adequate volume, appropriate eye contact, and
speak clearly and coherently
Good luck and have fun!

Debrief
A) When do you decide not to compromise in your everyday life?
B) By doing the debate, what are some issues you believe that both sides are
not going to compromise on?
C) What do they agree on?
D) Where do you see areas of compromise?
E) How would you help the delegates reach a compromise?

Closing: Final Reflection

Respond to the following questions in a three minute video reflection using your
school iPad:

What did you learn about your own beliefs about the power held by the
government by doing the debate?
In your opinion, is the best government the one that governs the least?