Activity Overview
Events like the Constitutional Convention require lots of compromise, and with the various problems of the Article of Confederation it's helpful for students to be able to see what was addressed, what the proposed solutions were, and the compromise that ultimately aimed to solve the problem.
Using a T-Chart storyboard, students will summarize and explain the problems debated at the Constitutional Convention and how representatives compromised on the issues. It will function as a cause and effect organizer to demonstrate how issues and problems were solved at the dawn of American government. With this, students will be able to explain how the Constitution was constructed and what it called for as well as describe divisions over how the federal government would operate.
Students Can Collaborate!
Teachers may wish for students to work together on this lesson which is possible with Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration feature! With Real Time Collaboration, students can work on the same storyboard at the same time which is perfect for this lesson! As teachers know, collaborating on assignments allows students to think on a deeper level while increasing their communication and problem-solving skills. Collaboration can also help cut down on the time it takes to complete a storyboard. While there is no set limit to the number of users who can work on a storyboard at once, we recommend five users or fewer for optimal performance. All of our assignments default to individual. To make this lesson collaborative, teachers must enable collaboration for the assignment within the "Edit Assignment" tab.
Extended Activity
Have students create a T-Chart with one column depicting issues concerning today’s government. In the other column, have students detail a solution to that issue, or a proposed solution. Teachers may also add a column for what students would do if the issue were presented to them.
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 outlining the issues presented at the Constitutional Convention and the compromises made to solve them.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In one column, identify and describe the different issues that were presented.
- In the other column, describe the compromises made at the Convention.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Events like the Constitutional Convention require lots of compromise, and with the various problems of the Article of Confederation it's helpful for students to be able to see what was addressed, what the proposed solutions were, and the compromise that ultimately aimed to solve the problem.
Using a T-Chart storyboard, students will summarize and explain the problems debated at the Constitutional Convention and how representatives compromised on the issues. It will function as a cause and effect organizer to demonstrate how issues and problems were solved at the dawn of American government. With this, students will be able to explain how the Constitution was constructed and what it called for as well as describe divisions over how the federal government would operate.
Students Can Collaborate!
Teachers may wish for students to work together on this lesson which is possible with Storyboard That's Real Time Collaboration feature! With Real Time Collaboration, students can work on the same storyboard at the same time which is perfect for this lesson! As teachers know, collaborating on assignments allows students to think on a deeper level while increasing their communication and problem-solving skills. Collaboration can also help cut down on the time it takes to complete a storyboard. While there is no set limit to the number of users who can work on a storyboard at once, we recommend five users or fewer for optimal performance. All of our assignments default to individual. To make this lesson collaborative, teachers must enable collaboration for the assignment within the "Edit Assignment" tab.
Extended Activity
Have students create a T-Chart with one column depicting issues concerning today’s government. In the other column, have students detail a solution to that issue, or a proposed solution. Teachers may also add a column for what students would do if the issue were presented to them.
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 outlining the issues presented at the Constitutional Convention and the compromises made to solve them.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In one column, identify and describe the different issues that were presented.
- In the other column, describe the compromises made at the Convention.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Compromise at the Convention
Organize a classroom debate on Constitutional Convention compromises
Set up a lively debate by dividing students into groups representing different states or viewpoints from the Constitutional Convention. This interactive approach helps students understand multiple perspectives and develop stronger argumentation skills.
Assign students specific roles and research tasks
Give each group or student a delegate or state to represent and assign them to research that side’s priorities and concerns. Role-play encourages engagement and deeper comprehension of historical positions.
Facilitate structured rounds of discussion
Guide the debate by allowing each group to present their issues, followed by open discussion and rebuttal. This format promotes respectful dialogue and critical thinking.
Encourage compromise and draft a class agreement
Prompt groups to negotiate and find middle ground, then work together to create a class 'Constitution' summarizing their compromises. This hands-on activity mirrors real historical processes and strengthens collaboration.
Reflect on the process and connect to today’s issues
Lead a discussion about how compromise played a role in both the historical and class scenarios. Encourage students to relate these lessons to current government or school issues for real-world relevance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Compromise at the Convention
What were the main compromises made at the Constitutional Convention?
The main compromises at the Constitutional Convention included the Great Compromise (balancing representation for large and small states), the Three-Fifths Compromise (counting enslaved people for representation and taxation), and agreements on federal vs. state powers. These deals helped shape the U.S. Constitution and government structure.
How can students use a T-Chart to understand Constitutional Convention compromises?
A T-Chart lets students list the issues debated at the Constitutional Convention in one column and the compromises reached in the other. This visual organizer helps clarify cause and effect, making it easier to see how problems were solved in early American government.
Why is collaboration useful when teaching about the Constitutional Convention?
Collaboration helps students think deeply, communicate, and solve problems together. Working in groups on activities like storyboards allows them to share ideas and complete lessons more efficiently, enhancing their understanding of the Constitutional Convention compromises.
What are some example issues and solutions students could include in a modern government T-Chart?
Examples might include political polarization (solution: bipartisan dialogue), climate change (solution: new policies), or voting access (solution: updated voting laws). Students can brainstorm contemporary issues and propose realistic fixes.
What steps should students follow to complete the Constitutional Convention T-Chart assignment?
Students should: 1) Click "Start Assignment"; 2) In one column, describe issues debated at the Convention; 3) In the other, explain the compromises made; 4) Add illustrations; 5) Save and exit when finished. This process helps organize and visualize key concepts.
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