Was the Stamp Act Justified?

First: Let’s read a play to review The Stamp Act with the play “The Tax that Shook the Colonies” Here’s what I’ll ask you when we’ve finished reading: What were some arguments that colonists had against The Stamp Act? What were some arguments that the British had in favor of The Stamp Act? Who was George Grenville? What was his “one year plan?”

Next: You’ll be gathering info. from various excerpts to debate the question: Was The Stamp Act Justified? Your answer to this question will be based on your role (colonists = no!, brits = yes!). Let’s take a look at the format of your excerpt info. packet and your debate worksheet so you know what to do… Into six groups we go; 3 Colonist groups, 3 British groups! Colonists on one side of the room, Brits on the other.

Next: Once you’re in your group, read your assigned excerpts. In the correct space on your debate worksheet, write at least three arguments that answer the question: Was The Stamp Act Justified? Your arguments are based on the excerpts you just read! No need to cite, but your debate ammo will come from these arguments Now read your “enemy’s” excerpts-- record two of their arguments that are good and rebut them in the space provided When you’ve written your three arguments and two rebuttals, choose a group spokes model. This person will start your group off in the debate. Once this person has spoken, anyone in your group may stand up to argue (everyone should try to say at least one thing!). The loose format of the debate: argument, rebuttal, new argument, rebuttal etc. We will do this 2x; once for each set of excerpts

But wait, there’s more The side that has the most passion, spirit, and quality arguments (using quotes, citing sources etc.) will win a fabulous prize. We’ll have two debates– one after the first set us excerpts, one after the second Let’s begin!