The Constitutional Convention of 1787, Lesson 3
From: EDSITEment!
Grade Level: HS, (College)
Remote Ready: With Modifications
Time: Depends on which activity you choose, up to 5 short class periods
Length of Reading: Pages
This lesson is all about the power of the president or presidents (that's right! Some founders argued for multiple presidents). All 3 activities within this lesson use primary sources. The first activity focuses on the number of presidents there should be. The second addresses how the president will be elected. The third looks at the length of the term of the president. And the fourth examines presidential powers.
Though long, this lesson is definitely worthwhile. So let's see if we can help break it down so you can pick the parts you like.
Activity 1: Students read a set of primary sources about how delegates tended to agree an executive was necessary. They fill out a graphic organizer and discuss answers with the class. Then students read another set of primary sources on the number of executives there should be, answer questions, and discuss.
Activity 2: Students read primary source sets in groups on the debate over how presidents should be elected. They answer questions and the class discusses.
Activity 3: Primary source on the length of the president's term are addressed here. Students answer questions in groups and the class discusses.
Activity 4: Students read primary source sets on the powers of the president. The teacher leads a discussion to fill out a chart
More Information:
Grade Level:
HS, (College): This lesson is meant for high school students; however we think it would be well suited for college students too
This Activity Involves:
Primary Source: This activity utilizes primary sources.
Group Work: This activity calls for working in pairs or groups or having a group discussion.
Image: Howard Chandler Christy, Signing of the Constitution, Oil on Canvas, Architect of the Capitol, 5/23/25, https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/art/signing-constitution.
