Did the Founders Want Government to Work?
Overview
Students analyze primary source texts, including excerpts from the Federalist papers, to investigate the purposes of the Necessary and Proper Clause, the ways in which the separation of powers limit government, and how factions and personal liberties affect the functioning of government. Next, students will write an essay or produce another type of product to answer the question the lesson title poses. Then students will create and deliver brief persuasive speeches in support of how our current federal government is either functional or dysfunctional.
Related Resources
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C3 Teachers The Inquiry Design Model
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Today in History: The Federalist Papers
background information & primary sources -
The Meaning of the Federalist Papers
high school lesson plan
Grade
High School
Subjects
Civics, English Language Arts, Social Studies
Length
160-250 minutes
Topics
arguments, checks and balances, factions, federalist papers, functioning of government, government, Necessary and Proper Clause, separation of powers, U.S. Constitution