It Makes Sense! Common, That Is!
How did Thomas Paine's Common Sense contribute to the colonists' belief that power comes from the people instead of a monarch?
Students will trace the establishment of Republicanism in history using the primary sources including the Mayflower Compact, Common Sense, Declaration Of Independence, Articles Of Confederation, Constitution.
Objectives:
Understand why “governments are instituted among men, deriving their just power from the consent of the governed.”
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An Unfinished Promise
In this lesson, students will first explore three primary sources that help students think about what the founding generation thought about the idea and ideal of equality. Students engage in inquiry by using the text of the primary sources to generate an answer to the first compelling question. Students then use evidence and reasoning to support their claim. In the second part of the lesson, students investigate additional primary sources to see how the ideals of human equality in the Declaration of Independence have inspired change throughout American history.
A Living Constitution
In this lesson, students investigate how the Constitution balances stability and change through the amendment process and civic participation. Through analysis of Article V, historical amendments, and case studies of social movements, students examine how citizens have influenced constitutional change over time. Students evaluate why the amendment process is intentionally difficult, explore how civic action can lead to reform, and consider the role of individuals and groups in shaping a living Constitution.
Expanding the Vote
Students will explore the tension throughout United States history in expanding the elective franchise. This tension draws into question some of the Declaration of Independence’s founding principles: popular sovereignty, republicanism, and equality.