Activity Overview
Many of the founding fathers came to the Constitutional Convention with different ideas on what the Constitution should look like and how the new government should work. In the end, they compromised in the creating of the United States Constitution, and as with many compromises, not everyone's ideas were completely integrated.
In this activity, students will create a three panel storyboard that reflects the two proposed plans of the Constitutional Convention along with the Great Compromise that came from the convention. The New Jersey and Virginia Plans were the conflicting proposals by delegates Paterson and Madison in the quest to establish fair representation in the United States Congress. For each plan, students should include who created the plan along with a description and visualization of the plan itself. In the final panel, students should create a description and visualization of the Great Compromise of the Constitutional Convention.
Extended Activity
For this extended activity, students will create a persuasive advertisement that attempts to convince a colonist to choose either the New Jersey Plan or the Virginia Plan. Students are free to choose whichever type of storyboard they feel will best reflect their plan. Students who complete the extended activity can present their advertisement to the class. Students in the audience will select which plan they would choose if they were a colonist based off of the information provided to them in the student presentations.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that describes two proposed plans from the Constitutional Convention and the Great Compromise that came after.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the first two title boxes, enter the names of the proposed plans. In the third, write "The Great Compromise".
- In the descriptions, write a summary of the plans, including who created it.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Many of the founding fathers came to the Constitutional Convention with different ideas on what the Constitution should look like and how the new government should work. In the end, they compromised in the creating of the United States Constitution, and as with many compromises, not everyone's ideas were completely integrated.
In this activity, students will create a three panel storyboard that reflects the two proposed plans of the Constitutional Convention along with the Great Compromise that came from the convention. The New Jersey and Virginia Plans were the conflicting proposals by delegates Paterson and Madison in the quest to establish fair representation in the United States Congress. For each plan, students should include who created the plan along with a description and visualization of the plan itself. In the final panel, students should create a description and visualization of the Great Compromise of the Constitutional Convention.
Extended Activity
For this extended activity, students will create a persuasive advertisement that attempts to convince a colonist to choose either the New Jersey Plan or the Virginia Plan. Students are free to choose whichever type of storyboard they feel will best reflect their plan. Students who complete the extended activity can present their advertisement to the class. Students in the audience will select which plan they would choose if they were a colonist based off of the information provided to them in the student presentations.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that describes two proposed plans from the Constitutional Convention and the Great Compromise that came after.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the first two title boxes, enter the names of the proposed plans. In the third, write "The Great Compromise".
- In the descriptions, write a summary of the plans, including who created it.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about The Great Compromise of 1787
Guide students in a classroom debate on the Great Compromise.
Engage students by organizing a debate where each group represents either the New Jersey Plan, the Virginia Plan, or the supporters of the Great Compromise. This interactive format helps students deepen their understanding and practice persuasive speaking.
Assign roles and explain each side’s main arguments.
Divide the class into three groups and assign roles: New Jersey Plan, Virginia Plan, and Great Compromise. Brief each group on their plan's creator, main ideas, and reasons for supporting their position.
Provide time for groups to prepare opening statements.
Allow students to collaborate and write a clear, persuasive opening statement for their side. Encourage use of facts and logical arguments to support their position.
Facilitate the debate and encourage respectful discussion.
Moderate the debate by giving each group time to present, respond, and ask questions. Ensure all voices are heard and guide students to challenge ideas, not people.
Conclude with a class vote and debrief on compromise.
Wrap up by letting students vote for the plan they prefer and discuss why compromise was necessary. This reflection helps students connect the activity to real-world decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Great Compromise of 1787
What was the Great Compromise of 1787?
The Great Compromise of 1787 was an agreement at the Constitutional Convention that established a two-house Congress: the Senate, with equal representation for each state, and the House of Representatives, with representation based on state population. This compromise balanced the interests of both large and small states.
What are the differences between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan?
The Virginia Plan proposed representation in Congress based on state population, favoring larger states, while the New Jersey Plan called for equal representation for all states, regardless of size. The Great Compromise merged these ideas into the current structure of Congress.
How can students create a storyboard about the Great Compromise?
Students can create a three-panel storyboard by illustrating the Virginia Plan, the New Jersey Plan, and the Great Compromise. Each panel should include the plan's creator, a summary, and a visual representation to help explain each proposal's main points.
Why was the Great Compromise important for the United States Constitution?
The Great Compromise was crucial because it resolved a major conflict between large and small states, allowing the Constitution to move forward. It created a fair system of representation that satisfied both groups, enabling the formation of a strong federal government.
What is a simple way to teach the Great Compromise to middle school students?
A simple way is to use a visual activity, like storyboarding, where students compare the Virginia and New Jersey Plans and then illustrate how the Great Compromise combined them. This approach helps students understand complex ideas through creative visuals and summaries.
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