Why did the Founders make it so challenging to amend the US Constitution? To gain an understanding of why the process is so difficult, class members engage in a Constitutional Convention simulation. Groups draft, propose, and debate amendments and then vote on each proposal.

Concepts

the united states constitution, constitution day, constitutional amendments, constitutional law, the constitutional convention

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Assign each class member a state and ask them to research how their stated voted on the last proposed amendment

Classroom Considerations

• Provides a link to “Vices, Rebellion & Constitution” from Liberty & Learning: The Essential James Madison
• A link to Madison's essay, "Vices of the Political System of the United States" is also provided
• Participants also need access to a copy of the US Constitution, especially articles, I, II, III, and VI 

Pros

• The 12-page packet includes background information about Constitution Day, a detailed four-day plan, links to the required reading and related websites, discussion questions, and worksheets 

Cons

• None

Common Core

W.9-10.7 W.11-12.7