Lesson Plan

Lesson 1: James Madison: Madison Was There

Photo caption

James Madison.

Why is James Madison such an important figure? Why is he known as the "Father of the Constitution"? How involved was James Madison in the most important events in America from 1775 to 1817? The answers to these questions provide context for understanding the importance of James Madison's opinions on constitutional issues. They should also help students appreciate Madison's position as a president embroiled in disputes over the meaning of a document that he helped to create.

Guiding Questions

How did James Madison influence the creation, interpretation, and application of the Constitution?

Learning Objectives

Analyze primary sources to determine what influenced Madison's philosophy on government.

Evaluate the extent to which James Madison is deserving of the title "Father of the Constitution."

Lesson Plan Details

Content Standards

NCSS.D1.1.6-8. Explain how a question represents key ideas in the field.

NCSS.D2.Civ.3.6-8. Examine the origins, purposes, and impact of constitutions, laws, treaties, and international agreements.

NCSS.D2.Civ.4.6-8. Explain the powers and limits of the three branches of government, public officials, and bureaucracies at different levels in the United States and in other countries.

NCSS.D2.Civ.5.6-8. Explain the origins, functions, and structure of government with reference to the U.S. Constitution, state constitutions, and selected other systems of government.

NCSS.D2.Civ.4.9-12. Explain how the U.S. Constitution establishes a system of government that has powers, responsibilities, and limits that have changed over time and that are still contested.

NCSS.D2.His.4.6-8. Analyze multiple factors that influenced the perspectives of people during different historical eras.

NCSS.D2.His.12.9-12. Use questions generated about multiple historical sources to pursue further inquiry and investigate additional sources.

Preparation

Reflect on prior learning to answer the following questions:

What was the European Enlightenment?
What key theories on government and influential thinkers are associated with the Enlightenment era in world history?
What evidence exists that the Enlightenment era influenced philosophies of government in the United States prior to the Constitutional Convention (1787)?

Lesson Activities

Activity 1. Madison Was There

Provide students with the chart "Events: 1775-1817" (Pages 1-2 of the Master PDF). Using the following biographical material about Madison on the EDSITEment resource U.S. Presidents and conduct independent research to construct connections between events in the political career of James Madison and the listed events in American history from 1775 to 1817.

Assessment

Based on your analysis of the primary sources and information pertaining to Madison's life and accomplishments, discuss the following questions:

What state and national offices, elected or appointed, did Madison hold?
What role did Madison play in the creation of the Constitution?
What actions did Madison take to secure ratification of the Constitution?
In what instances was Madison involved in disputes over the interpretation of the Constitution, both in and out of office?
What connections exist between the historical events listed and James Madison?
What events should be added to the list?
What examples exist of the Constitutionality of an issue being determined based on an idea introduced or action taken by Madison?

Based on your research and discussion of the above questions, construct an evidence-based response to the question: Does James Madison deserve the title "Father of the Constitution"?

Lesson Extensions