Day 8

Learning Target:  

Students will be able to ...

• Explain the constitutional principles of separation of powers and “checks and balances.”
• Explain the implications of separation of powers and “checks and balances” for the U.S. political system.
• Explain how the author’s argument or perspective relates to political principles, institutions, processes, policies, and behaviors.

Opener:  Brutus No. 1 ~ ASAP

Anti-Federalist argument against the ratification of the new Constitution written by Judge Robert Yates, a delegate from New York.

Go to: http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/brutus-i/

Activity #1:  Brutus #1 - Going Deeper
After you have read Brutus No. 1, answer the questions below in your notebook.

1. Why does the last paragraph of Article 1, Section 8, and Article 6 of the Constitution scare Yates so much? Explain your answer.

2. What does Yates say about Congress's power to tax?

3. Why do you think having a standing army scared Yates and other Anti-Federalists so much?

4. What does Yates fear will happen to the role of state governments? Give examples from the reading that support your answer.

5. Does Yates believe that a free, democratic government can work with such a large country? What historic examples does he use when explaining his answer?

Activity #2:  Nifty Fifty - Anti-Federalist

LD
SD
Examples
Related Terms
Non-Examples

Close:  Topic Quiz 1.5 & 1.6 - Constitutional Convention Checks and Balances