Oklahoma Academic Standard 4. The student will examine the formation of the American system of government following the American Revolution.

Objectives:
5.4.2  Identify key leaders and explain the debates and compromises of the Constitutional Convention, including:

A.  Virginia and New Jersey Plans

B.  Great Compromise

C.  Three-fifths Compromise and its maintenance of the institution of slavery

D.  Father of the Constitution, James Madison

E.  President of the Convention, George Washington 

5.4.3 Examine the purposes and basic responsibilities of government as described in the Preamble of the Constitution of the United States, which established the supreme law of the land. 

In a Nutshell

Students should examine the purposes of a democratic republic, including the identification of both historic and contemporary examples. Students should also understand the controversies surrounding the creation of a new system of government for the United States, including the debates and compromises of the Constitutional Convention and the influence of Madison and Washington. Students should examine the reasons for a bicameral Congress and how a compromise would impact the future of the institution of slavery. 

Teacher Action 

Student Action 

• Assist students to identify democratic principles in historic documents, such as the United States Constitution, and describe examples of civic virtues and democratic principles at work in national settings.

• Provide opportunities for students to identify concepts and ideas from discipline-based compelling and supporting questions related to the controversial issue of slavery in the new nation. 

• Explain ways in which informed and responsible citizens can and should participate in government, using examples of the representatives to the Constitutional Convention.

• Examine the purposes of government and laws, as stated in the Constitution of the United States as expressed in the debates and compromises reached at the convention. 

Key Concepts 

Misconceptions 

• Constitutional Convention, role of George Washington, James Madison (Father of the Constitution)

• options for structure of a national legislature: Virginia Plan, New Jersey Plan, Great Compromise

• legal continuation of slavery, Three-Fifths Compromise regarding inclusion of slaves in state population/congressional representation 

• Few students will have prior understandings of the controversial nature of the creation of a new form of government and the revolutionary ideas implemented by the Framers regarding the power of government and assurances that ultimate power remains in the hands of the people. 

Instructional Resources