Constitutional Convention Simulation
The Constitutional Convention took place from May 14 to September 17, 1787, in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The weather was extremely hot and the convention was
held in secret. 70 delegates were invited but only 55 attended. Rhode Island was the
only state that did not send delegates.
Task: You will be assigned one of the 55 delegates who attended the Constitutional
Convention and research them. Each student is to compile a delegate portfolio that is
to be turned in at the culmination of the convention. The portfolio will have three main
parts: (1) Biographical Sketch (2) Position Statements, and (3) Convention Records.
Part One: Biographical Paper ____20pts
Write a biographical one page paper on your delegate. Include the following
information:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Family
Age
State where they live
Schooling
Occupation
Accomplishments
Achievements
Picture
Part Two: Three Position Statements _____30pts
Write a position statement for each of the three topics as to how your delegate feels
about that issue. You will use these at the convention during debate on the issues. You
will have three position statements. The topics for each are below. Each position
statement must include the following:
a. Your delegates opinion on the topic
b. Minimum of five facts to support your delegates viewpoint
c. Include textual evidence from primary source documents such as the
Federalist Papers, Anti Federalist Papers, Virginia Plan, New Jersey Plan, other
documents not mentioned.
d. Quote from your delegate
The three main issues to be discussed at the Constitutional Convention are...
1. Articles of Confederation or Constitution…….Do we amend AOC or create
new government….the Constitution?
2. What amendments should be added to AOC or what should be written in the
new government….Constitution?
3. Should slaves count in the population?
Part Three: Presentation and Participation in Constitutional Convention Simulation
____20pts
The final part of this assignment is participation in the Constitutional Convention
Simulation.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Dress as your delegate
Actively take on the role as your delegate
Debate/Challenge/Attack/Counterattack on different issues
Use quotes actually stated by your delegate in the convention.
Use class time for research wisely
f.
Be prepared
Delegates to be researched:
James Madison: Federalist Papers 10, 14, 51
Alexander Hamilton: Federalist Papers 70, 78, 84
John Jay: 2, 3, 4, 5, 64
Edmund Randolph
Roger Sherman
William Patterson
George Mason: Anti Federalist Papers
Patrick Henry: Anti Federalist Papers
Richard Henry Lee: Anti Federalist Papers
Ben Franklin