Activity Overview
As governments evolve, it's helpful for students to visualize the events that contributed to the changes in sequence. Using a timeline, students will explain and analyze the evolution of America’s democratic republic. They should be sure to summarize and explain each step leading up to the eventual ratification of the Constitution. Upon completion or even during, students will be able to analyze and illustrate how government evolved over time, as well as the debates that took place surrounding government function and power. Teachers can pre-determine topics for students to cover or allow students to select what they believe are the most important things to cover.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options, and update the instructions accordingly.
Extended Activity
Have students continue their timeline to include major changes in government. Students can use a wide range of topics and subtopics, including supreme court cases, presidential actions, and changes in legislation. Teachers may condense the wide range of possible topics to ensure a desired structure of government evolution into its present form.
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 timeline detailing the evolution of American government between the Articles of Confederations and the Constitution.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify important events and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe the battles and events in the description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
Activity Overview
As governments evolve, it's helpful for students to visualize the events that contributed to the changes in sequence. Using a timeline, students will explain and analyze the evolution of America’s democratic republic. They should be sure to summarize and explain each step leading up to the eventual ratification of the Constitution. Upon completion or even during, students will be able to analyze and illustrate how government evolved over time, as well as the debates that took place surrounding government function and power. Teachers can pre-determine topics for students to cover or allow students to select what they believe are the most important things to cover.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options, and update the instructions accordingly.
Extended Activity
Have students continue their timeline to include major changes in government. Students can use a wide range of topics and subtopics, including supreme court cases, presidential actions, and changes in legislation. Teachers may condense the wide range of possible topics to ensure a desired structure of government evolution into its present form.
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 timeline detailing the evolution of American government between the Articles of Confederations and the Constitution.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify important events and type them into the titles of each cell.
- Describe the battles and events in the description box.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
How Tos about Early American Government Timeline
How to Facilitate a Student-Led Debate on Early American Government Changes
Encourage students to lead a structured debate about key changes in early American government. This builds engagement and critical thinking while reinforcing timeline concepts.
Assign roles for each student or group
Give each student or group a specific perspective (e.g., Federalist, Anti-Federalist, or a historical figure). This helps students research deeply and speak from a point of view.
Provide guiding questions for discussion
Share open-ended questions such as “What are the benefits and drawbacks of a strong central government?” Guiding questions keep the debate focused and meaningful.
Model respectful debate and evidence use
Demonstrate how to disagree politely and support claims with timeline facts. This ensures a productive and educational discussion atmosphere.
Debrief and connect to the timeline activity
Lead a class reflection on how the debate deepened understanding of government evolution. Ask students to update their timelines with new insights gained.
Frequently Asked Questions about Early American Government Timeline
What are the key events in the early American government timeline?
The key events in the early American government timeline include the drafting of the Articles of Confederation, the debates over state versus federal power, the weaknesses revealed by events like Shays' Rebellion, the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and the eventual ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
How can students create an effective timeline of America’s government evolution?
Students can create an effective timeline by identifying major events, summarizing each step, including key debates and changes, and using visuals or posters to illustrate the progression from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution and beyond.
What is the difference between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution?
The Articles of Confederation established a weak central government with most powers held by the states, while the Constitution created a stronger federal system with separate executive, legislative, and judicial branches and increased national authority.
Why is it important for students to study the evolution of American government?
Studying the evolution of American government helps students understand how democratic principles developed, the challenges faced, and the importance of debates that shaped the nation’s laws and structure.
What are some creative ways to teach the American government timeline in high school?
Creative ways include timeline posters, interactive presentations, gallery walks, and allowing students to choose topics or use multiple templates for their projects to enhance engagement and understanding.
More Storyboard That Activities
Federalism
Testimonials
“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”–Third Grade Teacher
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
