American Revolution: Ideals, Constitution, and Rights
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.To what extent did the philosophical ideals of the American Revolution, as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, truly establish a government that protects the divinely bestowed unalienable natural rights of all its citizens, considering the debates, compromises, and limitations inherent in these foundational documents?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What were the major philosophical influences on the American Revolution?
- How did the Founding Fathers' beliefs about natural rights shape the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution?
- What were the key debates and compromises during the drafting and ratification of the Constitution?
- How does the Bill of Rights protect individual liberties and limit government power?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to identify and explain the philosophical influences on the American Revolution.
- Students will be able to analyze the Founding Fathers' beliefs about natural rights and their impact on the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
- Students will be able to evaluate the key debates and compromises during the drafting and ratification of the Constitution.
- Students will be able to assess the role of the Bill of Rights in protecting individual liberties and limiting government power.
- Students will be able to evaluate the extent to which the philosophical ideals of the American Revolution established a government that protects the divinely bestowed unalienable natural rights of all its citizens.
Teacher Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Constitutional Crisis Simulation
Students receive a mysterious letter detailing a modern-day constitutional crisis where fundamental rights are threatened. They must analyze historical documents from the Founding Era to develop arguments defending or challenging the government's actions, sparking debate and critical thinking about the Constitution's relevance today. This connects directly to students' understanding of current events and their roles as citizens.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Philosophical Roots Uncovered: Mapping the Revolution's Influences
Students will research and identify the major philosophical influences on the American Revolution, such as Enlightenment thinkers (e.g., Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau). They will create a visual representation (e.g., mind map, infographic) that illustrates these influences and their connections to revolutionary ideas.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA visually appealing mind map or infographic that clearly outlines the key philosophical influences on the American Revolution, including brief explanations of each philosopher's ideas and their relevance to the Revolution.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 1: Students will be able to identify and explain the philosophical influences on the American Revolution. Directly aligns with standard SS.USH.C.4.13 by focusing on the ideological origins of the Revolution.Natural Rights in Action: Analyzing Foundational Documents
Students will analyze excerpts from the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, identifying specific phrases and ideas that reflect the Founding Fathers' beliefs about natural rights. They will then write a short essay explaining how these beliefs shaped the documents.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA short analytical essay (500-750 words) that demonstrates an understanding of the Founding Fathers' beliefs about natural rights and how these beliefs are reflected in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 2: Students will be able to analyze the Founding Fathers' beliefs about natural rights and their impact on the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Directly aligns with standard SS.USH.C.4.13 by examining the Founding Fathers’ philosophy of divinely bestowed unalienable natural rights.Revolution's Legacy: A Rights-Based Government?
Culminating Project: Students will write a persuasive essay that synthesizes their learning from the previous activities to answer the driving question: To what extent did the philosophical ideals of the American Revolution, as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, truly establish a government that protects the divinely bestowed unalienable natural rights of all its citizens, considering the debates, compromises, and limitations inherent in these foundational documents?Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-researched and thoughtfully written persuasive essay (800-1200 words) that addresses the driving question, drawing on evidence and insights gained from the previous portfolio activities.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 5: Students will be able to evaluate the extent to which the philosophical ideals of the American Revolution established a government that protects the divinely bestowed unalienable natural rights of all its citizens. Synthesizes all elements of standard SS.USH.C.4.13, requiring analysis of ideological origins, natural rights philosophy, constitutional debates, and the Bill of Rights.Bill of Rights Spotlight: Defending Liberty, Then and Now
Students will select one amendment from the Bill of Rights and create a presentation (e.g., poster, video, digital presentation) that explains its historical context, its importance in protecting individual liberties, and a contemporary case where the amendment was relevant.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn informative and engaging presentation (poster, video, digital presentation) on a selected amendment from the Bill of Rights, including its historical context, importance, and a contemporary case study.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 4: Students will be able to assess the role of the Bill of Rights in protecting individual liberties and limiting government power. Directly aligns with standard SS.USH.C.4.13 by examining the addition of the Bill of Rights.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioAmerican Revolution & Constitution Portfolio Rubric
Philosophical Influences
This category assesses the accuracy, clarity, and depth of the mind map or infographic, as well as the strength of the connections made between philosophical ideas and the American Revolution.Content Accuracy and Depth
Accuracy and depth of information presented in the mind map or infographic.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents exceptionally accurate and comprehensive information, demonstrating a deep understanding of philosophical influences.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents accurate and thorough information, demonstrating a solid understanding of philosophical influences.
Developing
2 PointsPresents mostly accurate information, but may lack depth or have minor inaccuracies. Demonstrates a basic understanding of philosophical influences.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents inaccurate or incomplete information, demonstrating a limited understanding of philosophical influences.
Clarity and Organization
Clarity and organization of the visual representation (mind map or infographic).
Exemplary
4 PointsThe mind map or infographic is exceptionally clear, well-organized, and visually appealing, making complex connections easy to understand.
Proficient
3 PointsThe mind map or infographic is clear, well-organized, and visually appealing, making connections easy to understand.
Developing
2 PointsThe mind map or infographic is somewhat clear and organized, but may have areas that are confusing or difficult to follow.
Beginning
1 PointsThe mind map or infographic is disorganized, unclear, and difficult to understand.
Connection to Revolutionary Principles
Connection of philosophical ideas to the principles and arguments of the American Revolution.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates an insightful and sophisticated connection between philosophical ideas and the principles of the American Revolution, providing compelling evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a clear and logical connection between philosophical ideas and the principles of the American Revolution, providing relevant evidence.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates a basic connection between philosophical ideas and the principles of the American Revolution, but the evidence may be weak or incomplete.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to adequately connect philosophical ideas to the principles of the American Revolution.
Natural Rights Analysis
This category assesses the student's ability to identify natural rights concepts, explain the Founding Fathers' beliefs, and present their analysis in a clear and organized essay.Identification of Natural Rights
Identification of natural rights concepts in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies and analyzes all major natural rights concepts with insightful interpretations and connections to historical context.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies and analyzes most major natural rights concepts with clear explanations.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some natural rights concepts, but analysis is superficial or incomplete.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to identify key natural rights concepts in the documents.
Explanation of Impact
Explanation of how the Founding Fathers' beliefs about natural rights shaped the Declaration and the Constitution.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and nuanced explanation, demonstrating a deep understanding of the Founding Fathers' beliefs and their impact.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides a clear and thorough explanation of the Founding Fathers' beliefs and their impact.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic explanation, but may lack depth or contain minor inaccuracies.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to adequately explain the Founding Fathers' beliefs and their impact.
Essay Clarity and Organization
Clarity and organization of the essay.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe essay is exceptionally clear, well-organized, and logically structured, presenting a compelling argument.
Proficient
3 PointsThe essay is clear, well-organized, and logically structured.
Developing
2 PointsThe essay is somewhat clear and organized, but may have areas that are confusing or difficult to follow.
Beginning
1 PointsThe essay is disorganized, unclear, and difficult to understand.
Persuasive Essay
This category assesses the student's ability to synthesize information, develop a strong thesis statement, and present a persuasive argument in response to the driving question.Thesis Statement
Strength and clarity of the thesis statement in response to the driving question.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents an exceptionally clear, insightful, and nuanced thesis statement that directly addresses the complexities of the driving question.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents a clear and focused thesis statement that directly addresses the driving question.
Developing
2 PointsPresents a thesis statement that is somewhat unclear, unfocused, or only partially addresses the driving question.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to present a clear thesis statement or the thesis statement is irrelevant to the driving question.
Quality of Evidence
Quality and relevance of evidence used to support the thesis.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides compelling and comprehensive evidence from a variety of sources to support the thesis, demonstrating sophisticated analysis and critical thinking.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides strong and relevant evidence from credible sources to support the thesis.
Developing
2 PointsProvides some evidence to support the thesis, but the evidence may be weak, irrelevant, or insufficient.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to provide adequate evidence to support the thesis.
Strength of Argument
Strength and persuasiveness of the argument presented in the essay.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents an exceptionally persuasive and well-reasoned argument that demonstrates a deep understanding of the complexities of the issue.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents a clear and persuasive argument that is well-supported by evidence.
Developing
2 PointsPresents an argument that is somewhat persuasive, but may have weaknesses in logic or evidence.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to present a persuasive argument or the argument is poorly reasoned and unsupported.
Bill of Rights in Action
This category assesses the student's ability to explain an amendment from the Bill of Rights, connect it to a contemporary case study, and present their findings in a clear and engaging manner.Explanation of Amendment
Accuracy and thoroughness of the explanation of the selected amendment.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides an exceptionally accurate and thorough explanation of the amendment, demonstrating a deep understanding of its historical context and purpose.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides an accurate and thorough explanation of the amendment, demonstrating a solid understanding of its historical context and purpose.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a mostly accurate explanation of the amendment, but may lack depth or have minor inaccuracies.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides an inaccurate or incomplete explanation of the amendment, demonstrating a limited understanding of its historical context and purpose.
Relevance of Case Study
Relevance and insightfulness of the contemporary case study.
Exemplary
4 PointsSelects a highly relevant and insightful contemporary case study that demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the amendment's ongoing importance.
Proficient
3 PointsSelects a relevant and informative contemporary case study that demonstrates a clear understanding of the amendment's ongoing importance.
Developing
2 PointsSelects a somewhat relevant case study, but the connection to the amendment may be weak or superficial.
Beginning
1 PointsSelects an irrelevant or inappropriate case study.
Presentation Clarity and Engagement
Clarity and engagement of the presentation.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe presentation is exceptionally clear, engaging, and visually appealing, effectively communicating the amendment's importance to the audience.
Proficient
3 PointsThe presentation is clear, engaging, and visually appealing, effectively communicating the amendment's importance to the audience.
Developing
2 PointsThe presentation is somewhat clear and engaging, but may have areas that are confusing or uninteresting.
Beginning
1 PointsThe presentation is unclear, unengaging, and difficult to follow.