Activity Overview
Several different problems existed under the Articles of Confederation, and the solutions to these problems were presented and debated during the Constitutional Convention. By creating a spider chart, students will be able to visualize and summarize these issues and their outcomes.
In this activity, students will summarize and explain the several problems that existed under the Articles of Confederation as well as how divisions arose in finding a solution. Students will be able to explain and analyze the problems of a weak federal government, and how early politicians aimed to correct them and preserve the new nation.
Some suggested topics include
- Divisions at the Convention
- Amending the Articles
- Structure of Government
- The Virginia Plan
- The New Jersey Plan
- The Great Compromise
Extended Activity
Have students create a spider map or a character map about figures who participated in the Constitutional Convention. Students should detail who they were, their ideas, and where they stood on the status of federal government. Students could also detail their beliefs on state governments.
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 and illustrates the various debates during and compromises that came out of the Constitutional Convention.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, enter the issue or compromise.
- In the descriptions, summarize the issue or compromise and the outcome.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Several different problems existed under the Articles of Confederation, and the solutions to these problems were presented and debated during the Constitutional Convention. By creating a spider chart, students will be able to visualize and summarize these issues and their outcomes.
In this activity, students will summarize and explain the several problems that existed under the Articles of Confederation as well as how divisions arose in finding a solution. Students will be able to explain and analyze the problems of a weak federal government, and how early politicians aimed to correct them and preserve the new nation.
Some suggested topics include
- Divisions at the Convention
- Amending the Articles
- Structure of Government
- The Virginia Plan
- The New Jersey Plan
- The Great Compromise
Extended Activity
Have students create a spider map or a character map about figures who participated in the Constitutional Convention. Students should detail who they were, their ideas, and where they stood on the status of federal government. Students could also detail their beliefs on state governments.
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 and illustrates the various debates during and compromises that came out of the Constitutional Convention.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title boxes, enter the issue or compromise.
- In the descriptions, summarize the issue or compromise and the outcome.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Solving the Problems the Articles of Confederation
Engage students with a classroom debate on government structure
Encourage students to take on roles from the Constitutional Convention and debate issues like the Virginia Plan vs. the New Jersey Plan. This hands-on approach lets students practice critical thinking and understand why different solutions were proposed.
Assign students to research a Convention delegate’s perspective
Have each student pick a historical figure from the Constitutional Convention and explore their stance on federal versus state power. This builds research and empathy skills as students learn to see issues from multiple viewpoints.
Guide the class to create a collaborative timeline of key debates
Work as a group to organize major events and compromises in chronological order using a visual timeline. This helps students connect cause and effect and see how solutions developed over time.
Facilitate small-group analysis of the Articles’ weaknesses
Divide students into groups and assign each a specific weakness of the Articles of Confederation. Each group discusses why it was a problem and how the Constitution addressed it, then presents findings to the class. This fosters teamwork and analytical thinking.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solving the Problems the Articles of Confederation
What were the main problems with the Articles of Confederation?
The Articles of Confederation created a weak federal government that struggled to collect taxes, enforce laws, and regulate trade. This led to inefficiency, disputes between states, and difficulty responding to national challenges.
How did the Constitutional Convention address issues in the Articles of Confederation?
The Constitutional Convention debated and designed a new Constitution, strengthening the central government, creating separate branches, and establishing checks and balances to solve the problems under the Articles of Confederation.
What is a spider map and how can it help students understand the Articles of Confederation?
A spider map is a graphic organizer that helps students visually organize and summarize key problems and solutions related to the Articles of Confederation and the Constitutional Convention, making complex topics easier to understand.
What were the Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan, and how did they differ?
The Virginia Plan proposed representation based on state population, favoring large states, while the New Jersey Plan called for equal representation for each state. The Great Compromise blended these ideas to create a two-house Congress.
What are some engaging ways to teach students about the Constitutional Convention's debates and compromises?
Teachers can use activities like storyboards, spider charts, and character maps to help students visualize debates, summarize compromises, and explore the roles of key figures at the Constitutional Convention.
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