Lesson Plan
Library of Congress

Loc: The New Nation, 1783 1815

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
The links in the New Nation, which is provided for by the Library of Congress, will lead you to sets of selected primary sources on a variety of topics,such as the Constitution, governmental policy on Native Americans, and problems and...
Handout
The History Cat

The History Cat: The Constitutional Convention: Creating the Constitution

For Students 9th - 10th
Explains why the Articles of Confederation were not strong enough to hold the country together. One result was a farmers' rebellion in Massachusetts led by Daniel Shays, which was precipitated by a debt crisis that caused many farmers to...
Website
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: Signing the Constitution

For Students 3rd - 8th
This site has a brief summary that describes the delegates to the Constitutional Convention. This group is sometimes called the "Founding Fathers."
Primary
Library of Congress

Loc: Ferrand's Records: Records of the Federal Convention

For Students 9th - 10th
A large collection of chronological links to the text of the official records of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787.
Graphic
Other

The Architect of the Capitol: Roger Sherman

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource from the Architect of the Capitol is a government site that focuses on art and architecture in the U.S. Capitol. Features a picture of a marble statue of Sherman.
Website
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: The Articles of Confederation

For Students 3rd - 8th
At this site read a short synopsis of the Articles of Confederation, and then complete a short quiz by clicking on the "show what you know" link at the bottom.
Lesson Plan
Success Link

Success Link: 1787 [Archived Version]

For Teachers 4th - 8th
By using the novel, Shh! We're Writing the Constitution by Jean Fritz, and 1787 by Joan Anderson, students learn the lively discussion among the delegates to the Constitutional Convention concerning the ratification of the document they...
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Us History: 1754 1800: The Constitutional Convention

For Students 9th - 10th
Shortly after the end of the Revolutionary War, American leaders realized that the nation needed a new, stronger Constitution. But what would the new system of government look like?
Primary
Digital Public Library of America

Dpla: Creating the Us Constitution

For Students 9th - 10th
The sources in this primary set document the creation of the US Constitution. Includes teaching guide.
Handout
Other

Potus: James Madison

For Students 9th - 10th
Comprehensive facts about James Madison and his presidency. Includes biography, election results, cabinet members, odd facts, and notable events.
Website
University of Groningen

American History: Biographies: James Mc Clurg 1746 1823

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides a biography of James McClurg (1746-1823), a noted scientist and doctor in the early days of the United States. He was also a politician. McClurg was part of the Virginia delegation of the Constitutional Convention.
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: Biographical Directory of the u.s. Congress: Oliver Ellsworth

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief biography of Oliver Ellsworth, the delegate from Connecticut to the Constitutional Convention. He also served as a senator and as a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Website
University of Groningen

American History: Biographies: William Paterson

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource features a detailed biography on the politician from New Jersey who advocated for states' rights.
Website
Digital History

Digital History: Was the Constitutional Convention Legal?

For Students 9th - 10th
A look at the convening of a Constitutional Convention to address the problems inherent in the Articles of Confederation. Read a quote from George Washington, who addressed the legality of such a convention.
Website
Digital History

Digital History: Philadelphia in 1787

For Students 9th - 10th
A quick snapshot of what the city of Philadelphia was like in terms of population, wealth, and appearance at the beginning of the Constitutional Convention held there in 1787.
Primary
University of Chicago

The Founders' Constitution: Statement by Hugh Williamson

For Students 9th - 10th
A short statement by Williamson given during a debate in Congress (1792) on Article 1, Section 9, Clause 4 of the Constitution.
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Alexander Martin

For Students 9th - 10th
An entry on the life of Alexander Martin, who served briefly in the Continental Army. He was later tried for cowardice, was acquitted but resigned shortly afterward. This did not hurt his political career, however. He was a delegate to...
Unknown Type
History Teacher

Historyteacher.net: The u.s. Constitution: Quiz (2)

For Students 9th - 10th
10-question multiple choice quiz is immediately scored and covers events pertaining to the U.S. Constittution.
Unknown Type
History Teacher

Historyteacher.net: The u.s. Constitution: Quiz (3)

For Students 9th - 10th
10-question multiple choice quiz is immediately scored and covers events pertaining to the U.S. Constitution.
Handout
Other

Colonial Hall: Rufus King 1755 1827

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of this delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1788 from Massachusetts. He later served as the American ambassador to England.
Handout
Other

Edmund Randolph's Views on Separation of Church & State

For Students 9th - 10th
A short article that discusses Randolph's beliefs regarding religion and the role of the state.
Website
Other

Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Caleb Strong (1745 1819)

For Students 9th - 10th
A short biography of Caleb Strong, a delegate from Massachusetts to the Constitutional Convention, focusing on his role as Governor of Massachusetts in the early 19th century.
Website
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: George Washington

For Students 5th - 8th
A brief overview of George Washington and his importance to the success of the new nation, the United States.
Website
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: Edmund Randolph

For Students 9th - 10th
Ushistory.org provides this biography of Edmund Randolph includes highlights of his political career and his role during the Constitutional Convention. Randolph went on to serve as Secretary of State.