Week 10: The Finishing Touches

 

    Last week we went over Articles 6 and 7 of the Constitution, and discovered that only nine states had to ratify the Constitution to make it operational. Easy peasy, right? Not so fast...there was still lots of confusion among the people about the new Constitution, but Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay, used the power of the pen to painstakingly explain every section, and ease the citizens' doubts in the Federalist Papers. 
    The Federalist Papers were a huge help, but there were, of course, still some objections to the new Constitution, the biggest being that there was no bill of rights--a clearly defined list of specific rights each American would be guaranteed. Some states refused to ratify it without a bill of rights, so George Washington promised that if the states would ratify the Constitution as is, the states could submit their suggestions and a bill of rights would be the first item on the new Congress' agenda. (We probably wouldn't believe such a promise from a politician these days, but it was George Washington, so...c'mon, of course everyone believed his promise!) The states responded in kind by submitting 189 proposed changes to the Constitution! James Madison whittled that list down to seventeen, and the states eventually approved ten of those, and...Voila! The Bill of Rights was born!

ASSIGNMENTS:

WRITING: Debate Prep! Prepare notes to defend your position in the following argument: 

What is more important: liberty or security? 

If you got an "L" in class you are arguing in favor of liberty; if you got an "S" you are arguing in favor of security. You will each have a chance to present your arguments, so be prepared to speak for about 5 minutes. One team will be judged the winner, so make sure your arguments are convincing and well-researched!

CONSTITUTION JOURNAL: Amendments 1-10

READING: Work on The Law by Frederic Bastiat. Due May 19th.

DEVOTIONAL: Savanna (A second chance!)

HERO PRESENTATIONS: We will be pleased to learn about 2 inspiring American heroes, Susan B. Anthony and Alexander Hamilton, presented by Savanna and Michael.


CANDY TRIVIA:

Which right is considered our "first freedom?"

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