Constitution & New Republic: What Would You Do?
(Decision-Making and Critical Thinking Curricula)
Students tackle fascinating historical questions that put them in the shoes of a range of people from the past, from the rich and famous to ordinary citizens. Each lesson can be done either as an in-depth activity requiring up to two full class periods, or as a “quick motivator” requiring only 20–30 minutes. Detailed teacher pages give step-by-step instructions, list key vocabulary terms, offer troubleshooting tips, present ideas for post-activity discussions, and furnish lists of related sources. Reproducible student handouts clearly lay out the decision-making scenarios, provide "outcomes," and present related primary source readings and/or images with analysis questions. Decision-Making Book available for purchase on Social Studies School Service. Critical Thinking book forthcoming on Social Studies School Service. Free samples available below!
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Free Lessons
Lesson List: Decision Making in History: Constitution
INTRODUCTION – Guide to Critical Thinking
LESSON 1 – Hamilton Financial Policies: Will you support Hamilton’s financial proposals? SAMPLE LESSON
LESSON 2 – Anti-slavery Petition, 1790: Will you vote to allow debate on the antislavery petition?
LESSON 3 – President Washington’s Foreign Policy: What position will you take on the war between Britain and France?
LESSON 4 – Alien and Sedition Acts: Will you, as president, support the Alien and Sedition Acts? LESSON
5 – Barbary Pirates: What actions will you take with regard to the Barbary Pirates? LESSON
6 – War of 1812: Will you order an embargo in response to British trade restrictions on Americans? Will you declare war or negotiate with the British in 1812?
LESSON 7 – Erie Canal: Will you vote to have New York build (or heavily subsidize the building of) a canal in 1817?
Sample Lesson: Decision Making in History: New Republic
Students consider Alexander Hamilton’s suggested financial policies and decide whether or not they would adopt them, then learn what actually happened in history.
Lesson List: Critical Thinking in History: Constitution and Early Republic (written and coming soon!)
Annotated Bibliography: Critical Thinking in History: Constitution and Early Republic
Free Critical Thinking Lesson: War of 1812 (Star Spangled Banner, analyzing conspiracy theories)
Published Sources