+
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Brutus No. 1

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource from Khan Academy provides the full text of Brutus I. This lesson is intended for students taking high school or college level American Government and Civics courses, including the AP Government course.
+
Handout
The History Place

The History Place: A New Nation (1784 to 1790)

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from The History Place provides a timeline of American history between 1784 and 1790. Mentions many famous people and events of the era. Links to John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Samuel Adams, James Madison, the Constitution, Bill...
+
Unit Plan
Other

Left Justified: Founding Fathers

For Students 9th - 10th
Biographical accounts of fifty men who played a wide variety of roles in bringing about America's break with Great Britain, and in the creation of the documents and plans that created the new nation, like the Declaration of Independence,...
+
Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Alexander Hamilton: Lawyer, Writer, and Founding Father

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Through a short video and an analysis of two primary sources, students will examine the life of Alexander Hamilton, an important military and political leader.
+
Website
Digital History

Digital History: Ratifying the Constitution

For Students 9th - 10th
After the Constitution was written, debated, and finally adopted by the Constitutional Convention, it was sent to the states to ratify. Read about the fears of those who did not want to ratify it and see how their fears were addressed.
+
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: United States Bill of Rights

For Students 9th - 10th
This encyclopedia article from Wikipedia gives some background history to the creation of the Bill of Rights and contains a transcription of the first ten amendments to the Constitution in their original form.
+
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Alex: Constitution or Articles?

For Teachers 9th - 10th
In this lesson, students will observe the political climate at the time of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and read the writings of the delegates who refused to sign the proposed Constitution, as well as those who supported it....
+
Activity
Thomson Reuters

Find Law: Constitution

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides extensive information regarding several American constitutional issues such as: impeachment, war powers, interstate commerce, and the amendment process. Hyperlinks can be found throughout each constitutional issue to...
+
Handout
University of Groningen

American History: Biographies: George Mason 1725 1792

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource presents links for different parts of George Mason's life. Information about his life includes links to relevant topics.
+
Website
Digital History

Digital History: Hamilton and Jefferson the Men and Their Philosophies [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton played a huge role not only in crafting important documents in U.S. history, but also by serving as secretaries in George Washington's first cabinet. Read about their diametrically opposing...
+
Handout
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: Historic Valley Forge: Major General Alexander Hamilton

For Students 9th - 10th
A short biography of Alexander Hamilton containing information on his military service during the American Revolution as well as his later life in politics.
+
Lesson Plan
National Endowment for the Humanities

Neh: Edsit Ement: Background on the Patriot Attitude Toward the Monarchy

For Teachers 6th - 8th
In this lesson plan, young scholars will consider "Background on the Patriot Attitude Toward the Monarchy." The plan includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.
+
Article
Cato Institute

James Madison's Vision of Liberty [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
An article by the CATO institute about James Madison's vision for his writing and contribution for the U.S. Constitutional Convention. Includes information on his views of a limited government for citizens' rights.
+
Handout
Bill of Rights Institute

Bill of Rights Institute: Alexander Hamilton

For Students 9th - 10th
Alexander Hamilton is perhaps the most misunderstood and under-appreciated of the Founders. A proponent of a strong national government with an "energetic executive," he is sometimes described as the godfather of modern big government....
+
Handout
Bill of Rights Institute

Bill of Rights Institute: John Jay

For Students 9th - 10th
John Jay epitomized the selfless leader of the American Revolution. Born to a prominent New York family, John Jay gained notoriety as a lawyer in his home state. He favored a moderate approach to Britain but joined his fellow Patriots...
+
Handout
Bill of Rights Institute

Bill of Rights Institute: James Madison

For Students 9th - 10th
James Madison's slight stature and reserved personality gave little indication of his keen intellect and shrewd nature. No other Founder had as much influence in crafting, ratifying, and interpreting the United States Constitution and...
+
Interactive
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Classroom: Freedom of Speech and Association

For Students 9th - 10th
Check out this interactive timeline freedom of speech and association in the United States.
+
Interactive
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Classroom: Freedom of the Press

For Students 9th - 10th
Check out this interactive timeline on the history of freedom of press in the United States.
+
Article
Other

Independent Institute: Alexander Hamilton on War and Free Government

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a review of a book by Kurt-Friedrich Walling. The review discusses how Hamilton wanted to create a republican empire based on consent but able when threatened to generate enormous military power, and how this was in dispute with...
+
Article
Thomson Reuters

Find Law: Founding Fathers: New York: Alexander Hamilton

For Students 9th - 10th
A short biography of one of America's founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton.
+
Graphic
Curated OER

Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Alexander Hamilton

For Students 9th - 10th
(1755 or 1757 - 1804) Previous Secretary of the Treasury, founder of the Federalist Party, an influential delegate to the U.S. Constitutional Convention, and a leading author in the Federalist Papers.
+
Graphic
Curated OER

Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: James Madison

For Students 9th - 10th
The fourth President of the United States. He was co-author, with John Jay and Alexander Hamilton, of the Federalist Papers, and is traditionally regarded as the Father of the United States Constitution.