Looking to learn more about the Constitutional Convention and the first Presidential Election? Below are a list of free online resources ideal for students, teachers, and history buffs of all ages. For a full bibliography of the episode, including primary sources and scholarship, check out our Episode 1 Bibliography.
And be sure to follow Inventing the Presidency on your favorite podcast app!
Media and Interactives:
A More Perfect Union
A More Perfect Union is a 21 minute film that covers the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Convention, and the ratification process. Use these resources to view the film, learn more about the journey towards our modern-day government, and find incredible source materials!
Podcast Episode: A Gift from Spain
In this episode of Secrets of Washington’s Archives, we explore an interesting incident that took place during the Constitutional Convention. Washington bought a copy of Don Quixote on the last day of the Constitutional Convention. But what is so significant about this Spanish story? And what did Benjamin Franklin and the Spanish ambassador have to do with it?
Lesson Plans:
A Classroom Constitutional Convention
This lesson helps students understand the confusion and difficulties of the Constitutional Convention. Students will be separated into groups where they have to create a new form of government for their classroom that is more "democratic" than its current "monarchy" where the teacher as at its head. They will then reflect on how easy or hard it was to create a new form of government and convince others of their opinions.
The Constitution as a Job Description
In this lesson, students are asked to use Article 1 and Article 2 of the Constitution and George Washington's notes on his personal copy of the document to create a job description for the President of the United States in 1787.
Key Concepts of the Constitution
These concepts reflect the importance of compromise, the weakness of the union after the War for Independence, the importance of George Washington as a unifying figure during a fractious time, and the elements of government reflected in the first seven Articles of the Constitution.
Vocab of the Constitution
Students use flashcards, quizzes, interactives, and worksheets to study and demonstrate their understanding of advanced vocabulary.
Primary Sources:
The US Constitution
The Constitution was created through the Constitutional Convention, which met in May of 1787. The delegates debated the powers and privileges of the executive, the representation that would make up the legislative branch, and the nature of the relationships between the states and the federal government.
The US Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution. Many states refused to ratify the Constitution until a Bill of Rights was drafted. The Bill of Rights was initially written by James Madison, and was ratified on December 15, 1791.
Washington’s Diary of the Constitutional Convention
Here you can find a record of all of Washington’s diary entries from the time of the Constitutional Convention.
The Constitutional Convention: A Day by Day
In this free resource from Independence National Historic Park, learn about what decisions and debates took place during each day of the Constitutional Convention.
