Students will analyze an unidentified historical document and draw conclusions about what this document was for, who created it, and why. After the document is identified as Thomas Jefferson’s “original Rough draught” of the Declaration of Independence, students will compare its text to that of the final document adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776 and discuss the significance of differences in wording.
United States Founding Documents
A gallery of study resources about significant primary source documents from American history. This gallery highlights resources designed to enhance study of a few significant primary source documents from American history.
The Major Debates at the Constitutional Convention
How the Articles of Confederation failed and delegates met to create a new constitution. The major debates were over representation in Congress, the powers of the president, how to elect the president (Electoral College), slave trade, and a bill of rights. Jefferson, Madison, Franklin, Washington.
A More Perfect Union
This resource introduces students to the U.S. Constitution. Students watch a slide show on the Constitution, then in pairs they answer “enduring questions” about the Constitution, and finally as a class, they hold a discussion on these questions.
The Mayflower Compact (1620)
Signed by 41 adult male passengers on the Mayflower while still at sea off the New England coast, the compact established a preliminary, majority-rule government for the Pilgrims. This lesson includes a reading, discussion and writing questions, and a class activity.
Meeting at Runnymede: The Story of King John and Magna Carta
Chafing under the despotic rule of King John, rebellious British noblemen forced their ruler to sign the Magna Carta. The 63 clauses of this document defined and limited the feudal rights of the monarch. This lesson includes a background reading, full text of the Magna Carta, and a small-group activity for students.