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Social Studies Bulletin #2 From Confederation to Constitution Lesson 2-1 Social Studies Bulletin #2 From Confederation to Constitution

Lesson 2-1: Social Studies Bulletin #2 – From Confederation to Constitution WARM UP The 13 colonies have now joined together as a NEW nation, made up of 13 individual States. What is the job of a national government? In other words, what should the national government be able to do? What concerns or fears might the States have about the new national government?

Attach Social Studies Bulletin #2 Lesson 2-1: Social Studies Bulletin #2 – From Confederation to Constitution 3 R Attach Social Studies Bulletin #2 December 16, 2016 Dear Students and Families,   This unit, “From Confederation to Constitution”, will focus on the type of government that developed in the United States. Once the 13 colonies declared their independence from Britain, how would the new government rule this new country? Lord Acton’s famous words about power, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” was a major fear for many in this new country. How can the new States be protected from the misuse of the central government’s power? How can this new country protect itself from foreign threats and survive? The first phase of this unit will analyze the features of the new government. Then we will examine the need for a better method of governing. What were the problems post-revolutionary America had in managing the affairs of government under the Articles of Confederation? The second phase addresses the weaknesses of the first government as 12 states met to discuss and revise the Articles of Confederation. Students will role play one of the delegates at the Constitutional Convention as they discover some of the points of conflict and disagreement between the Antifederalists and Federalists that shaped our concept of “federalism?” What were the issues creating conflict between the northern and southern states? What was the process of compromise that led to the shaping and adoption of the Constitution? As your son or daughter learns about the struggles of ruling our country, discuss issues that frequently create conflict in the American society. How do or can we manage conflict? You can also discuss the different views about how much power we should give our national or federal government. Look for more Social Studies Bulletins about our study of American history this year.  I hope you enjoy sharing your child's explorations. Parent signature by Tuesday

L Previewing the Theme: Democratic Ideals and Conflict 2 Lesson 2-1: Social Studies Bulletin #2 – From Confederation to Constitution L 2 Previewing the Theme: Democratic Ideals and Conflict Between 1776 and 1791, the United States struggled to set up a national government. The Articles of Confederation Weaknesses of the Articles led established the first government of the United States. Americans to create a new government for the United States. What do you see in this image? What do you think the circles represent? What might the size of the circles represent? GA SC NC VA MD DE NJ PA NY CT RI MA NH U.S. Government In 1776, we were the united STATES of America!

L Previewing the Theme: Democratic Ideals and Conflict 2 Lesson 2-1: Social Studies Bulletin #2 – From Confederation to Constitution L 2 Previewing the Theme: Democratic Ideals and Conflict Weaknesses and problems of the national government Constitution Constitutional Convention Articles of Confederation Delegates from the different States come together to discuss and debate the problems facing our country Improvements to the national government

WRAP UP Example of the Police L 2 Since men are NOT angels, Lesson 2-1: Social Studies Bulletin #2 – From Confederation to Constitution L 2 WRAP UP Since men are NOT angels, what sort of government should the framers establish? Humans are imperfect. In fact, they are often greedy and selfish. Any SUCCESSFUL government must not only govern the governed (the people), but also govern itself. Example of the Police