America: In the Beginning US History Mr. Smith- Rm.

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Over the next several days, we as a class and you as a group will review how and why America was founded. What parts of the country were founded first, where did this idea of representation and democracy come from, why did the colonists declare independence from Great Britain, what were the causes of a revolution, and what type of government structure did the Founding Fathers create? Youll be answering those questions for yourselves and eventually the entire class. A. Assignment a. Create a 5-10 minute lecture/explanation of your topic i. Create a PowerPoint or Prezi to guide your presentation. b. Create a handout for your classmates to go along with your presentation

B. Topics a. History of the American colonies b. The Roots of Democracy c. The Causes of the American Revolution d. The Declaration of Independence e. The Constitution

C. Schedule a. Friday, August 12 i. Research your topic ii. Begin compiling and creating PPT or Prezi presentation iii. Begin brainstorming the design of your handout b. Monday, August 15 i. Continue researching your topic ii. Continue preparing your PPT and handout (goal: to be finished with both) c. Tuesday, August 16 i. Finishing touches of lecture presentations and handouts ii. Presentations

History of American Colonies America: In the Beginning Mr. Smith- US History Your objective is to review the historical background of the 13 American colonies. What countries formed the original colonies? Why were they formed, for what purpose? What did they come to be known for? What famous leaders and colonists would come from each colony? Your presentation must include: A. New England Colonies a. What colonies (states) were included in this region? b. When were they founded? By what country? Why? c. What was the economic staple of these colonies (farming, manufacturing, shipping, fishing, etc)? d. What famous American founding fathers came from this region? B. Middle Colonies a. What colonies (states) were included in this region? b. When were they founded? By what country? Why? c. What was the economic staple of these colonies (farming, manufacturing, shipping, fishing, etc)? d. What famous American founding fathers came from this region? C. Southern Colonies a. What colonies (states) were included in this region? b. When were they founded? By what country? Why? c. What was the economic staple of these colonies (farming, manufacturing, shipping, fishing, etc)? d. What famous American founding fathers came from this region? D. What is the Northwest Territory? E. What is the French and Indian War? a. Who fought against who? b. Who won?

The Roots of Democracy America: In the Beginning Mr. Smith-US History Early on in colonial America, the idea of the colonists governing themselves instead of by the British king was established. Americans believed they knew what was best for themselves and they didnt want to listen and obey rules and laws established by a monarch who didnt know anything about their lives in America. England didnt abide by a democracy, where did the American faith in democracy come from? Your presentation must include: A. Democracy a. Define democracy b. Define representative democracy B. The Enlightenment a. What was the Enlightenment b. Summarize John Lockes ideas on government c. Summarize Thomas Hobbess ideas on government C. Judeo-Christian Roots a. How were American leaders inspired by their faith? b. Where do you see Christianity in our government system? D. Greek and Roman Influences a. Where do you see ancient Greeces democratic ideals in the American system? b. Where do you see ancient Romes republican ideals in the American system? E. English Parliament a. What rights were given to English citizens through the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights that are now guaranteed to American citizens? b. What other government institutions and traditions did the Americans duplicate from their English fathers?

Causes of the American Revolution America: In the Beginning Mr. Smith- US History As weve seen with our own eyes over the past several months in the Arab world, people want and expect to be treated a certain way. When they arent, its only a matter of time until individual crusaders turns into an organized group of resistance. What caused the resistance and grumblings of old men in the American colonies to turn into an organization of independent thinkers? Your presentation must include: A. The French and Indian War a. What was the war fought over? b. How would cost of the war affect Americas future? B. No Taxation without Representation a. Explain the quote above, why did this become a rallying cry for the colonists? b. Select 3 of the taxes below; describe the purpose of each tax and explain the impact it would have on the colonists and why colonists opposed it. i. Sugar Act ii. Stamp Act iii. Townshend Acts iv. Intolerable Acts C. Colonial Resistance a. The Boston Massacre i. Describe the event and its impact on the colonies. b. 1st Continental Congress i. Describe what the Congress was and what was the result.

The Declaration of Independence America: In the Beginning Mr. Smith-U.S. History The Declaration of Independence is the first American document. It declared our problems with the British crown while declaring our intention to leave the empire and create a separate nation. Its the stuff of movies (literally, havent you seen National Treasure with Nicholas Cage, soooo much fun).

Your Presentation must include:

A. Author(s) a. Who wrote the document? B. Philosophical Influences a. Who influenced the author? b. What examples are found in the Declaration of other philosophical ideas? C. Accusations a. Why were the colonists creating a new country? b. What were they upset about? D. Rights a. What rights are claimed to be given to all men, Americans? b. What rights were not protected by the British crown? c. What rights will be given to Americans in this new country?

The Constitution America: In the Beginning Mr. Smith-US History The U.S. Constitution is the law of the land. It is debated and interpreted by average Joes and Vice President Joe Biden. It is the framework of this country. It started out with 7 articles describing what the government would be. Then the Bill of Rights added the first 10 amendments. Theres been more added in the past 200 years. It is a living document. Your Presentation must include: A. The Articles of Confederation a. What was it? b. What was the plan? How was the government structured? c. What was wrong with it? B. The Virginia Plan a. Who created it? b. What was the plan? How would the government have been structured? c. Who supported the VA plan? C. The New Jersey Plan a. Who created it? b. What was the plan? How would the government have been structured? c. Who supported the NJ plan? D. The Compromises a. The Great Compromise i. What was the issue(s)? ii. How was it resolved? b. The 3/5 Compromise i. What was the issue(s)? ii. How was it resolved?