Hamilton's America: Voices of the Founding Documents
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use creative expression to amplify the voices of marginalized groups and hold America accountable to the promises of its Founding Documents?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- To what extent do America’s Founding Documents uphold their promises to all Americans?
- How have specific groups of Americans been impacted by the promises outlined in the Constitution and Bill of Rights, both historically and in the present day?
- In what ways can creative expression and protest literature serve as powerful tools for addressing social injustices and advocating for change?
- How do the principles of rule of law, popular sovereignty, and republicanism, as embodied in the Constitution, affect different groups of people in the United States?
- How did classical republicanism, natural rights philosophy, and English common law shape the promises made in America’s Founding Documents, and how have these influences played out differently for various groups?
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 promises made in America’s Founding Documents.
- Students will be able to research and analyze the historical and contemporary experiences of marginalized groups in relation to these promises.
- Students will be able to create original pieces of protest literature that amplify the voices of marginalized groups.
- Students will be able to evaluate the extent to which America’s Founding Documents uphold their promises to all Americans.
- Students will be able to understand and explain the principles of rule of law, popular sovereignty, republicanism, federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances.
Teacher Provided Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe Empty Promise Gallery
Students view a curated online 'gallery' of images and artifacts representing instances where American ideals have fallen short. They choose one and write a personal reflection connecting it to their own understanding of American promises.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Marginalized Group Deep Dive
Students select a specific marginalized group in America and conduct in-depth research into their historical and contemporary experiences concerning the promises identified in the previous activity.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 research portfolio that documents the experiences of the chosen marginalized group, with specific examples of how American promises have been kept or broken.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 2 (research and analyze experiences of marginalized groups) and Standard HS.C.CV.2 (assessing the influence of constitutional rights on groups).Protest Literature Brainstorm
Students explore various forms of protest literature and analyze how these forms have been used to address social injustices and advocate for change.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 detailed outline of the chosen form of protest literature, including the key message, intended audience, and strategies for conveying the group's experiences.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsPrepares students for Learning Goal 3 (creating original protest literature) and connects to Standard HS.C.CV.2 (understanding how human rights influence actions).Creative Response Composition
Students create their own piece of protest literature, using their research and understanding to give voice to the experiences of their chosen marginalized group.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 polished piece of protest literature that effectively conveys the experiences of the chosen marginalized group and calls for greater accountability to American promises.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 3 (creating original protest literature) and Standard HS.C.CV.2 (assessing the influence of constitutional rights on groups).Promises Evaluation & Reflection
Students reflect on the extent to which America’s Founding Documents uphold their promises to all Americans, based on their research and creative work.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-supported reflective essay that evaluates the fulfillment of American promises and offers insights into the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 4 (evaluate the extent to which promises are upheld) and all three standards (HS.C.CP.1, HS.C.CV.1, HS.C.CV.2) by requiring students to synthesize their understanding of the Constitution, its historical context, and its impact on different groups.Promise Identification Mission
Students will begin by closely examining the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other key Founding Documents to identify specific promises made by the United States to its citizens.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 detailed list of promises extracted from the Founding Documents, written in student-friendly language.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 1 (identify and explain the promises) and Standard HS.C.CP.1 (understanding the principles embodied in the Constitution).Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioHamilton-Style Response Writing Rubric
Research & Evidence
Demonstrates the depth and accuracy of research on the chosen marginalized group and the effective use of evidence from credible sources.Historical Accuracy
Presents an accurate and nuanced account of the group's historical experiences.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates sophisticated and comprehensive understanding of the group's history, incorporating multiple perspectives and challenging dominant narratives.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents a thorough and accurate account of the group's history, drawing on credible sources.
Developing
2 PointsPresents a basic account of the group's history, but may contain minor inaccuracies or omissions.
Beginning
1 PointsPresents an incomplete or inaccurate account of the group's history, lacking sufficient evidence.
Evidence Integration
Effectively integrates evidence from primary and secondary sources to support claims and interpretations.
Exemplary
4 PointsSkillfully weaves together diverse sources of evidence to create a compelling and insightful narrative.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively integrates evidence from credible sources to support claims and interpretations.
Developing
2 PointsIncludes some evidence, but may not be effectively integrated or fully support claims.
Beginning
1 PointsIncludes little or no evidence to support claims.
Creative Expression
Demonstrates originality, emotional impact, and persuasive power in the chosen form of protest literature.Voice & Authenticity
Authentically captures the voice and experiences of the chosen marginalized group.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates a powerful and authentic voice that resonates deeply with the experiences of the marginalized group, demonstrating empathy and understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsCaptures the voice and experiences of the chosen marginalized group with clarity and authenticity.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to capture the voice of the marginalized group, but may lack authenticity or emotional depth.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to capture the voice or experiences of the marginalized group.
Emotional Impact
Effectively evokes emotion and empathy in the audience.
Exemplary
4 PointsEvokes a profound emotional response in the audience, leaving a lasting impact and inspiring reflection.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively evokes emotion and empathy in the audience through powerful language and imagery.
Developing
2 PointsEvokes some emotion, but may not be consistently effective or impactful.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to evoke emotion or connect with the audience on an emotional level.
Persuasive Power
Effectively uses rhetoric and persuasive techniques to advocate for change.
Exemplary
4 PointsCrafts a highly persuasive and compelling argument for change, using sophisticated rhetorical techniques and a deep understanding of the issues.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively uses rhetoric and persuasive techniques to advocate for change and raise awareness.
Developing
2 PointsAttempts to use persuasive techniques, but may be inconsistent or lack impact.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to use persuasive techniques or advocate for change effectively.
Critical Reflection
Demonstrates insightful analysis of the extent to which America's Founding Documents uphold their promises and offers thoughtful reflections on the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.Analysis of Promises
Critically analyzes the promises made in the Founding Documents in relation to the experiences of the chosen group.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a nuanced and insightful analysis of the complex relationship between the promises of the Founding Documents and the lived realities of the chosen group, challenging assumptions and offering original perspectives.
Proficient
3 PointsCritically analyzes the promises made in the Founding Documents and evaluates the extent to which they have been upheld for the chosen group.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies and describes some of the promises made in the Founding Documents, but may lack critical analysis.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates a limited understanding of the promises made in the Founding Documents.
Reflection & Insight
Offers thoughtful reflections on the ongoing struggle for equality and justice, demonstrating personal engagement and critical thinking.
Exemplary
4 PointsOffers profound and insightful reflections on the ongoing struggle for equality and justice, connecting personal experiences with broader social issues and proposing innovative solutions.
Proficient
3 PointsOffers thoughtful reflections on the ongoing struggle for equality and justice, demonstrating personal engagement and critical thinking.
Developing
2 PointsOffers some reflections on the struggle for equality and justice, but may lack depth or personal engagement.
Beginning
1 PointsOffers minimal or superficial reflections on the struggle for equality and justice.