Students learn about the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. They collaborate in small groups to explore the two main factions in this debate, the Federalists and the Antifederalists. Then they explain how the inclusion of the Bill of Rights cleared the way for ratification.
Students read an introduction explaining that after the Constitutional Convention, the new U.S. Constitution still needed to be ratified by state conventions. They learn key vocabulary (ratification, republic) and the lesson objectives. Students then examine the Massachusetts Centinel illustration “First Illustration of The Federal Pillars, January 16, 1788,” and respond to a poll about whether the image shows approval or disapproval of the Constitution. They post written explanations on a class wall to justify their interpretations of the illustration.
Teacher MovesPresent the overview, vocabulary, and objectives for the experience. Guide students in closely examining the “Federal Pillars” illustration, and after they respond to the poll and wall prompt, clarify that the image strongly supports the Constitution by depicting each ratifying state as a pillar strengthening the union and by emphasizing the idea “United they Stand—Divided Fall.” Then divide students into small groups for the next three scenes.
In small groups, students read articles on the Federalists and Antifederalists to learn each side’s views on the Constitution. They collaboratively complete one graphic organizer summarizing the Federalists’ opinion of the Constitution, their reasons for supporting it, and key leaders, and a second organizer capturing the same information for the Antifederalists. Students then read about the role of political essays in the ratification debate, including The Federalist Papers and After the Fact: Virginia, New York, and “The Federalist Papers”, and may add details to their organizers. Finally, they post to a class wall explaining two ways that the Federalist Papers responded to Antifederalist arguments.
Teacher MovesSupport groups as they read and discuss the Federalist and Antifederalist positions and complete the organizers. After students read about the Federalist Papers and contribute to the wall, highlight that Antifederalists feared an overly powerful national government and tyranny in a large republic, and that the Federalist Papers argued separation of powers and the size and diversity of the nation would help prevent tyranny. When groups are ready, unlock the next scene.
Students revisit the “Federal Pillars” concept by viewing two additional illustrations from the series and discussing them in small groups. Individually, they answer multiple-choice questions inferring which state ratified the Constitution first and which was last. They then read The Ratification Process: State by State to learn how and when different states ratified the Constitution. Finally, they imagine themselves as newspaper editors in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, or Delaware and post a headline and subhead describing their chosen state’s ratification vote.
Teacher MovesPrompt students to connect the later “Federal Pillars” illustrations to the unfolding ratification story and to use visual evidence when answering the questions. After students read about the state-by-state process and write headlines, reference key details such as Delaware’s unanimous vote, the pressure on Antifederalist delegates in Pennsylvania, and the political dynamics in Massachusetts (including John Hancock’s shift once amendments were promised) to deepen understanding of how ratification unfolded.
Students read The Bill of Rights and Antifederalists’ Victory in Defeat to explore important outcomes of the ratification struggle beyond the creation of a new government. In small groups, they discuss the significance of the ratification process and select a note taker to summarize their ideas. Each group then posts a response explaining an important contribution of the Antifederalists to the final Constitution and why the ratification debate was significant for the nation as a whole.
Teacher MovesEmphasize that this Elaborate scene is essential preparation for the quiz. Guide students to recognize that Antifederalists helped secure the addition of the Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties and that the ratification debate was historically significant as the first time a nation publicly debated and approved its own form of government, bringing diverse states together around a national decision. When groups have posted their responses, direct students to complete the Evaluate scene individually.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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