The Federalist Debates: Balancing Power Between State and Federal Governments

Who is the founding father—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, or Benjamin Franklin? Scholars decide which of three early Americans, should be crowned the founding father of America based on research. Then, they compose a persuasive...

What are some notable happenings that occurred during Thomas Jefferson's life and presidency? Give young historians a instructional activity about the life and accomplishments of Thomas Jefferson.

What was the name of the house Thomas Jefferson designed? Where was Thomas Jefferson born? Complete a crossword puzzle centered around the third president of the United States.

Students cite connections among Franklin's Albany Plan of 1754, his Plan of Confederation of 1775 and the U.S. Constitution and/or the Declaration of Independence. In an essay, they give examples of the philosophical and political...

Federalism divides power to protect individual rights while giving the government enough power to be effective. The concept comes from a balance the Founding Fathers struck between authority and freedom. Scholars explore the relationship...

Historians have been fascinated by Alexander Hamilton long before he was the subject of a Broadway hit. Using video resources, scholars explore how his early upbringing as an orphan and social outcast may have influenced his role in the...

Explore the origin of political parties in the United States. Learners work in groups to read and analyze copies of the "Report on Manufactures" written by Alexander Hamilton. Then, they complete a worksheet comparing the Federalists to...

Scholars analyze the impact Alexander Hamilton had on the creation of the United States. Primary documents and video clips give learners a glimpse into the life of one of America's Founding Fathers, arming them with enough information to...

Learners study the biographies of Ellsworth, Hamilton, Paterson, and Randolph. They study roles of these men during the Constitutional Convention.

Middle schoolers examine the contributions of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson to American Independence. In small groups, they conduct Internet research, read and discuss primary source documents, and complete a chart.