CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND THE CONSTITUTION
U.S. HISTORY OR CIVICS LESSON PLAN
Objectives:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
to view conflict as a normal part of life and problem-solving as a response to conflict;
to broaden students’ understanding of means of problem-solving and dispute resolution;
to view the U.S. Constitution as a method of national problem solving;
to develop students’ ability to work in groups and to resolve conflicts;
to expose students to primary sources.
Materials needed:
Time required:
copies of the U.S. Constitution
history or government text
library resources optional
two class periods; more optional
Note: This lesson is designed to follow a basic introduction to the U.S. Constitution.
Activities:
1.
Introduction: open discussion by asking class what disagreements, conflicts, disputes, or
problem the nation as a whole faces (10 minutes total)
Then ask how we solve these problems, resolve or work out these disagreements or
disputes. Take 2-3 examples and discuss as below:
Certainly, some topic will surface which Congress must address; e.g. health care policy,
balancing budget, etc.
Ask: who decides: (congress)
how: (majority vote)
who selects Congress: (we do)
what authorizes Congress to decide this issue: (Constitution)
Hopefully, some topic will arise involving minority rights or other issue likely to be
resolved in the courts.
Ask: who decides: (courts)
how: (judge or jury based on law and facts)
who selects judges: election or appointment
what authorizes: (Constitution)
Do same for presidency.
2.
Break class into groups of 4-5 and assign each group to one of articles of the
Constitution, with emphasis on Articles I, II, III, IV.
Explain that each group will work on a different article and then make a 3-minute report
to the class. They will have 20 minutes to prepare their report.
Assign each group to examine the article assigned and to search for problems, disputes,
disagreements, etc., which the drafters of the Constitution expected would arise; list
them; then search the article for methods of solving that problem or means of resolution
written into the Constitution; list them. Hint: planning is a method of conflict
management. Elections are a planned method for regular resolution of disagreements.
Finally, as a group they are to evaluate how these methods have worked over 200+ years.
3.
As they work, circulate and provide assistance if needed. For example, students may need
help understanding what impeachment is; help them see it as a method of resolving
conflicts involving public officials who violate the public trust; etc.
To develop a basic sense of exercise, allow 20 minutes. More time, including library
time, would provide opportunity to more fully develop the exercise.
4.
Have each group reporting and ask them to expand on their report if needed. (15 minutes)
5.
Ask students to reassemble in their small groups and process how they worked together
as a group. (10 minutes)
Suggested process questions:
Did you contribute something to the discussion
Did you feel listened to
Were there disagreements in the group
How were they handled
What method did the group use to develop its final report
How can the group work better in the future
6.
In the second class period, begin by having the groups report on how they worked
together, and how they can improve in the future.
7.
Return to the initial discussion of problems facing the nation, and take up 2-3 more
examples. Repeat earlier discussion: how as a nation do we resolve the public
disagreements. Then evaluate how well the process works.
Discuss: the drafters anticipated that we would disagree and have conflicts; there is
nothing wrong with that. They tried to plan for peaceful and meaningful ways to resolve
those conflicts. E.g., if we plan elections every four years when we can vote on public
policy, we might avoid violent overthrow. Has it worked?
 1993. Suzanne J. Schmitz
For workshops and conferences on conflict resolution in the schools, contact the Illinois Institute for Dispute
Resoultion, Donna Crawford, Executive Director, 301½ W. Cook, Springfield, IL 62704. (217-523-6080)