Curated OER
The Philadelphia Convention/Constitutional Convention
Eleventh graders explore the major points covered during the Philadelphia Convention/Constitutional Convention. They discuss the Federalists and the Anti federalists. They discuss the Bill of Rights and the drafting of the Constitution....
Curated OER
Constitutional Convention
Students examine the structure and function of the United States government established by the Constitution. They also explore the problems the country faced under the Articles of Confederation.
Curated OER
Constitutional Convention
Eighth graders gain a greater understanding of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and the issues surrounding the development of our Constitution. They participate in an activity and listen to lecture on the Convention, then search...
Curated OER
A CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION: A SIMULATION
Students discuss two computerized options to change the current U.S. government. In this Constitutional Convention lesson, students write a statement advocating for one of the choices and participate in a mock modern Constitutional...
Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: American Independence
Part of Fordham University's Internet Modern History Sourcebook, this site gives historical background and extensive web resources on American Independence.
Library of Congress
Loc: Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention: Elliot's Debates
Here one can view the five volumes of The Debates in the Several State Conventions on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution, which were put together by Jonathan Elliot in the mid-1800s. These debates extend from September 1787 to...
Library of Congress
Loc: Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention: Farrand's Records
Three of the four volumes of Max Farrand's collection of the records of the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Called The Records of the Federal Convention of 1787, these documents are a critical part of American governmental history.
Digital History
Digital History: The Constitution and Slavery
The issue of slavery was a contentious one during debates in the Constitutional Convention. Read about the various issues, the quotes of several of the delegates, and see how the word "slave" is not even mentioned in the Constitution....
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: Popular Basis of Political Authority
Read the words of John Adams at the Constitutional Convention where he is debating the meaning of "the people" in the Constitution.
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: Constitutional Convention
A list of links to texts of original documents written by participants in the Constitutional Conventions, relating to their attempts to create an acceptable national constitution. Organized in chronological order.
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: Federal v. Consolidated Government: Virginia Plan
The original text of The Virginia Plan presented at the Constitutional Convention. Discusses federal versus consolidated government.
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: Records of the Federal Convention
The original text of official Resolutions by members of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 during the debate creating a new national U.S. Constitution.
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: James Madison to George Washington
The original text of a letter from James Madison to George Washington discussing his ideas for a new national government that were to soon be presented to the Constitutional Convention as the Virginia Plan.
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: Resolution & Letter to the Congress
The original and complete text of the letter approved by the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787 recommending the newly adopted U.S. Constitution to the Congress and the states for ratification.
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: Delegates to the Constitutional Convention: Connecticut
Information about Connecticut's delegates to the Constitutional Convention. Includes information on Oliver Ellsworth, a key supporter of the Great Compromise, as well as William Samuel Johnson and Roger Sherman.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Alexander Hamilton
One of our original Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton was a controversial figure. This PBS site allows you to watch excerpts from a two-hour long documentary on his life and role in US history. Provides a detailed timeline that gives...
US National Archives
Our Documents: Virginia Plan (1787)
Read the complete text of the Virginia Plan that proposed a strong central government consisting of three branches. You can also view images of the original drafts.
Michigan State University
Michigan State University: American Revolution: The Articles of Confederation and the Constitution
In a nutshell, you can find out the problems the new nation had under the Articles of Confederation and the process resulted in a new constitution.
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: Benjamin Franklin's Speech
From James Madison's notes, this speech is Benjamin Franklin's final speech of the Constitutional Convention.
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress Creates the Bill of Rights I
This is the first PDF in a four-part series on the Bill of Rights. This part focuses on the history and chronology of the passage of the Bill of Rights. Vivid pictures, primary source documents, and a timeline are provided. [PDF]
Other
Colonial Hall: Benjamin Rush (1745 1813)
This non-profit site offers detailed biography of Benjamin Rush. the United States. Examines his early training, his years in Europe, his work in medicine, his role in the Revolutionary War, and his political career. Rest of site has...
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: The Constitutional Convention of 1787
One word can sum up the Constitutional Convention of 1787 - compromise. Find out which compromises were made and by which groups of people and/or states. This expansive site includes background on the convention, primary source...
Other
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation: Continuing Revolutions
America was victorious in the Revolutionary War, but now faced a slew of problems while trying to set up our new nation. Study how we attempted to solve the problems of establishing a government, forming our economy, meeting the needs of...
University of North Carolina
University of North Carolina: Constitution 101 [Pdf]
Provides a good basic introduction to the Constitution. Explains the founding principles, checks and balances, the rationale for it, the accomplishments of the Constitutional Convention, the debate and ratification, the structure of the...