Author:
OER LIBRARIAN
Material Type:
Activity/Lab
Level:
Middle School
Tags:
  • Living Document
  • PSA
  • july22
  • september23
  • License:
    Public Domain Dedication
    Language:
    English
    Media Formats:
    Downloadable docs

    Compromise at the Constitutional Convention

    Compromise at the Constitutional Convention

    Overview

    This activity is designed to help students understand the debates at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 that shaped America’s legislative branch of government. The primary goal of this activity is for students to discover how a compromise balanced the needs of large states and small states and how this led to the creation of the current House of Representatives and Senate.

    This activity can be approached as an individual assignment or as a class activity. Students assume the roles of delegates at the Constitutional Convention. The first task is to read the Virginia and New Jersey Plans. It will be useful for students also to read the opinions of other delegates. Each delegate page includes a scale for students to record their agreement or dissent.