Founding Documents

On Day 1, students will read and analyze primary sources discussing the flaws of the Articles of Confederation. Day 2 covers the articles of the Constitution. On Day 3, students consider how the Constitution addressed the weaknesses of the Articles.

Weblink address (URL): 
Founding Documents
Home Page for the Lesson Plan- Source

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

The learner will:

  • Analyze a set of primary sources related to the Articles of Confederation and discuss the Articles of Confederation’s weaknesses.
  • Analyze several articles of the Constitution and discuss four primary principles of the Constitution.
  • Discussion how the four principles of the Constitution address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 

Have students research the writing of the Bill of Rights. Does the Bill of Rights address issues from the Articles of Confederation? Why was it important to the new nation to add these rights to the Constitution?

Helpful Hints

MATERIALS:

  • Founding Documents: Primary Sources for the Articles of Confederation
  • Founding Documents: Primary Sources for the Constitution
  • Articles of Confederation 4th grade Primary Source Analysis Worksheet
  • Articles of Confederation 8th grade Primary Source Analysis Worksheet
  • Vocabulary for Articles of Confederation
  • Constitution Words and Meanings Worksheet
  • 4th Grade Discussion Worksheet
  • 8th Grade Discussion Worksheet