Students learn about Thomas Jefferson's first term in office and his efforts to limit the size of the federal government. Then students analyze Jeffersonian quotes and determine how they relate to the way Jefferson ran the federal government.
Students learn about Thomas Jefferson's first term in office and his efforts to limit the size of the federal government. Then students analyze Jeffersonian quotes and determine how they relate to the way Jefferson ran the federal government.
Students read background text about the transfer of power from the Federalists to the Democratic Republicans and Jefferson’s call for unity in his first inaugural address. They examine a quotation in which Jefferson says, “We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists,” and post responses explaining the message of this quote.
Teacher MovesDiscuss student responses, highlighting an interesting or exemplary answer. Clarify that Jefferson believed both parties shared commitment to the same constitutional principles, even if they interpreted and applied those principles differently.
Students read about Jefferson’s belief that a large federal government threatened liberty and use Thomas Jefferson: Domestic Affairs to learn how he reduced the size of the federal government. They complete a table listing at least three changes Jefferson made to establish a “wise and frugal government.”
Teacher MovesUse the sortable table view to review student entries and check that they have identified key changes Jefferson implemented, such as reducing government size and debt, cutting the military, and revising taxes.
Students read an explanation of Jefferson’s efforts to cut the national debt by reducing government expenses, including military spending and certain taxes, while increasing import tariffs. They analyze a spending chart comparing John Adams’s and Thomas Jefferson’s presidencies and answer multiple-choice questions about where Jefferson reduced or increased spending. Students then respond to a prompt about whether they agree or disagree with Jefferson’s statement, “We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt,” and explain their reasoning.
Teacher MovesReview student poll responses for accuracy in interpreting the spending chart. For the quote prompt, accept any reasonable answer and invite a student to share their opinion with the class to spark discussion.
Students read four quotations from Jefferson expressing resistance to a powerful centralized federal government. They select one quote and post an explanation of how it supports Jefferson’s goal to run a “wise and frugal government,” then read classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment.
Teacher MovesUse student responses to identify understandings and misconceptions, and to guide follow-up discussion.
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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