Democracy: A Big Challenge

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Introduce students to the drafting and signing of the Constitution as they develop interviewing and persuasive writing skills.

OBJECTIVE
Students will:

1. Work together in cooperative groups
2. Understand the following keywords: Constitution, signers, reporter, newspaper, interview
3. Understand the contributions these Founding Fathers: Washington, Franklin, Madison, Hamilton
4. Understand the purpose for the United States Constitution
5. Use research skills
6. Write a persuasive letter to achieve a desired outcome

LESSONS FOR THIS UNIT
Lesson 1: U.S. Constitution Roll Call
Lesson 2: The Art of Persuasion

REPRODUCIBLES
Interview a Founding Father Printable (PDF)
Powerful Words Printable (PDF)

CULMINATING ACTIVITY

Students will participate in a mock question-and-answer session where “newspaper reporters” will interview four “Founding Fathers.”

SUPPORTING BOOKS

Books for Teaching About the Constitution

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