Unit 3-The Federalist Era: Compromise & Constitution (1783-1814) |
Big Ideas
Organizing Principle
- The Articles of Confederation provided a reasonable and workable transition from the unitary system of British rule to the federal system established under the Constitution.
- Between 1789 and 1814, conflict over the increasing power of the national government created intensified sectional tension.
- Between 1789 and 1814, geographic isolation allowed the United States to pursue a policy of selective involvement in world affairs.
Essential Questions
Students will consider...
- How did the goals and outcome of the American Revolution impact the development of the nation’s political and economic institutions?
- To what extent was the leadership of Washington indispensable to the formation and development of the nation?
- Can a government founded on the division of power and authority endure conflict and tension?
- Why was compromise invaluable to the development of the American republic?
- What values and principles, expressed and implied in the Constitution, do all Americans believe in and share?
Understandings
Students will understand how, why or/and to what extent...
- A nation may agree on values and principles philosophically, but disagree on the practical political and economic application of those same values and principles.
- Various factors influence patterns of migration and settlement.
- The development of a nation depends upon the cultural contributions and sacrifices of a variety of individuals and groups.
- A nation’s government and its political leaders often assume more authority during periods of conflict, rebellion or warfare.
- A nation’s domestic conditions and circumstances may influence its foreign policy and international relationships.
Knowledge
Students will know...
- The structure, powers and authority of a new federal government under the Articles of Confederation led to political conflict and their eventual replacement by the U.S. Constitution.
- The U.S. Constitution increased the power and authority of the federal government.
- The interpretation of the U.S. Constitution led to conflicting views between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
- During the Federalist period internal and external conflicts shaped the development of American economic and political institutions.
- The federal government promoted national expansion and influenced the patterns of migration and settlement along the Western frontier.
- The War of 1812 led to a growing sense of nationalism.
Skills
Students will be able to...
- Use Historical Comprehension to determine the historical context of the national government’s development and evaluate the viability of the Articles of Confederation, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
- Use Historical Analysis and Interpretation to identify the political and economic conflict between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
- Use Historical Analysis and Interpretation to judge the relevance of the Federalists and Anti-Federalist debates over power and authority to contemporary political debates and in my own life.
- Use Chronological Thinking to identify instances of historical change and continuity during the Federalist Era (1783-1814).