UNITED STATES HISTORY AND THE CONSTITUTION
Signing of the U.S. Constitution. Image obtained from TeachingAmericanHistory.org (http://teachingamericanhistory.org/convention/)
The student will demonstrate an understanding of the conflicts between regional and national interest in the development of democracy in the United States.
Enduring Understanding
Contemporary democratic ideals originated in England, were transplanted to North America by English settlers, and have evolved in the United States as a result of regional experiences. To understand this evolution of democracy and the conflict between local and national interests, the student will utilize the following primary sources:
Declaration of Independence (1776)
The English Bill of Rights (1689)
Second Treatise of Government (1690)
Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments, James Madison (1785)
Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, Thomas Jefferson, January 16, 1786
“Virtual Representation” Political Cartoon (1775)
Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787, James Madison