The Founding of the American Government ‖ The Federalist Papers

Goals & Objectives

Lesson Goal: Students will understand how to analyze primary sources, and will recognize
the significance of the Federalist Papers.
Lesson Objective: In small groups, students will analyze Federalist Paper Number 10,
Federalist Paper Number 51, and Federalist Paper Number 78, and answer questions about
the documents by analyzing their sources and content.

California State Content Standards

Standard 12.1.5 Students explain the fundamental principles and moral values of American
democracy as expressed in the U.S. Constitution and other essential documents of
American democracy. Describe the systems of separated and shared powers, the role of
organized interests (Federalist Paper Number 10), checks and balances (Federalist Paper
Number 51), the importance of an independent judiciary (Federalist Paper Number 78),
enumerated powers, rule of law, federalism, and civilian control of the military.

Common Core Literacy Standards

Reading: 2. Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source;
provide an accurate summary that makes clear the relationships among the key details and
ideas.

Driving Historical Question

What was the significance of the Federalist Papers?
How did the Federalist papers help shape the founding of the nation?

Lesson Introduction (Anticipatory Set/Hook/Accessing Prior Knowledge) ‖ Time: 10min

Teacher will show students two political cartoons and discuss their relevance to the topic.
In pairs, the students will review the political cartoons and their meaning. Teacher will
review with whole class to ensure that students understand how to analyze primary
sources and secondary sources, and how to identify the difference between the two.

Vocabulary (Content Language Development) ‖ Time: throughout lesson

Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, Federalist Papers, Constitutional Convention,
Federalists, Anti-Federalists, Thomas Jefferson

Content Delivery (Method of Instruction) ‖ Time: 5min

Teacher will deliver handout to students with guiding questions and instructions. Students
use laptops to lookup Federalist Papers Number 10, 51, and 78. They will then work in
small groups to complete their handouts, as instructed by the teacher.
Student Engagement (Critical Thinking & Student Activities) ‖ Time: throughout lesson
Students, throughout the lesson, will work in small groups to think critically about primary
sources and their significance.

Lesson Closure ‖ Time: 10min

Teacher will review handouts with the class in order to gauge student understanding and
plan for the next lesson.

Assessments (Formative & Summative)

Formative – handout with questions about primary sources.

Accommodations for English Learners, Striving Readers and Students with Special Needs
For English Learners, Striving Readers, and Students with Special Needs, guided notes will
be provided with key term definitions. Extended time and preferential seating will also be
offered.

Resources (Books, Websites, Handouts, Materials)

Laptop
Primary Sources (3) – Federalist Papers
Political Cartoons
Handouts