American History I Founding Principles
Unit 2 Confederation, Constitution, and Compromise
Part A: Days 21-25
Topics/Themes:
Articles of Confederation-Structure and Shortcomings
Shay's Rebellion
NJ and VA plan and the Great Compromise
Constitutional Convention
3/5 Compromise
Federalism/separation of powers/elastic clause/necessary and proper/Electoral College
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
The Federalist Papers
Bill of Rights
Abigail Adams-"Remember the ladies"
Learning Outcomes:
The learner will:
 Examine how the Articles of Confederation were intended as a compromise to organize colonial
participation in the revolution.
 Analyze the difficulties associated with creating a government.
 Identify, understand, and apply the key debates and compromises related to the framing of the Constitution
and how they set up conflict in the early years of the Constitutional Republic.
Essential Questions
1.
2.
3.
What makes an event a turning point?
How can we use historical thinking to understand causes and effects of turning points?
What are the philosophical roots of American government?
Part B Days 26-30
Topics/Themes:
Hamilton's Financial Plan
Washington's First Term
First Cabinet
Jay's Treaty
Nullification and Alien and Sedition Acts
Strict vs. Loose Interpretation
Whiskey Rebellion
Neutrality
Quasi War
Learning Outcomes:
 Explain the origin of the poltical party system
 Evaluate the importance of Washington's first term.
 Analyze the major turning point events (including international events) of Washington, Adams.
 Compare the civil liberties of landed white males and the rest of the American population.
 Explain the foreign policies of the United States during the era.
Essential Questions:
1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of getting involved in international conflicts?
2. How can individual rights and the government's view of the "common good" create conflict or stability?
3. How does our involvement in international conflict affect American identity?
4. Why are trade alliances both helpful and hurtful to the US?