Unit 41777 – 1791
Historical Development of the Constitution
What you are expected to learn
Standards & I Can Statements
Mastery by standard
The same colours as your packet. Pick a standard to practice just the words you are still learning in it.
Standard 7.4b — The Articles of Confederation
0 / 10 Mastered
Standard 7.4b — The Articles of Confederation: 0 of 10 terms mastered.Standard 7.4c — The Constitutional Convention
0 / 9 Mastered
Standard 7.4c — The Constitutional Convention: 0 of 9 terms mastered.Standard 7.5b — Branches, Checks and Rights
0 / 13 Mastered
Standard 7.5b — Branches, Checks and Rights: 0 of 13 terms mastered.Other Vocabulary — Not listed under a standard
0 / 3 Mastered
Other Vocabulary — not listed under a standard: 0 of 3 terms mastered.
- 7.4b
The Articles of Confederation
10 termsColour code: BlueThe Articles of Confederation were the country’s first government, but the central government they created was too weak to handle its problems. A convention met to fix them.
How the standard says it
The Articles of Confederation created the first form of organized government for the United States, but the lack of a strong central government presented numerous challenges. A convention was held to revise the Articles.
I Can Statements
- I can describe the purpose of government and types of government such as Monarchy, Democracy and Republic.
- I can explain the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
- I can describe the details surrounding the Constitutional Convention.
- 7.4c
The Constitutional Convention
9 termsColour code: RedAt the Constitutional Convention, delegates disagreed about how strong the central government should be. They had to compromise to get the Constitution written and approved. The result was a democratic republic with a stronger central government.
How the standard says it
At the Constitutional Convention advocates for and against a strong central government were divided on issues. Compromises were needed between the states in order to write and ratify the Constitution. The approved Constitution established a democratic republic with a stronger central government.
I Can Statements
- I can examine multiple perspectives on various arguments about how the new government should be formed.
- I can explain how key issues like representation and slavery were resolved during the Constitutional Convention.
- 7.5b
Branches, Checks and Rights
13 termsColour code: GreenThe Constitution created three branches of government and a system of checks and balances so each branch can limit the others. The Bill of Rights spells out the rights of individual citizens.
How the standard says it
The Constitution established three branches of government as well as a system of checks and balances that guides the relationship between the branches. Individual rights of citizens are addressed in the Bill of Rights.
I Can Statements
- I can describe the basic structure of the Constitution.
- I can outline the roles and responsibilities of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.
- I can describe principles of the Constitution like Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances and Federalism and why they were embedded within the government.
- I can explain why the Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution.
- 7.5c
Amending the Constitution
Colour code: GoldThe Constitution can be changed, and it says exactly how: by amendment.
How the standard says it
The Constitution provides a formal process for change through amendments.
I Can Statements
- I can define amendment and explain the amendment process and its significance.
- I can explain the individual rights of citizens that are addressed in the Bill of Rights.