The American Presidency

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 12.03.10

  1. Unit Guide
  1. Introduction:
  2. Rationale:
  3. Importance of a Government:
  4. Learning Objectives:
  5. Demographics:
  6. Chronological Culture:
  7. Kit Carson –Destroy and Conquer Campaign
  8. Treaty of 1968:
  9. Western Influence on the Dine:
  10. Navajo Tribal Code vs. Navajo Constitution
  11. Navajo Tribal Code vs. Constitution:
  12. Limits to Dine Government Power:
  13. Executive Branch of Dine Nation:
  14. Rules Before the Constitution:
  15. The Founders and the United States Constitution:
  16. A Call for a Convention:
  17. Success of the Convention:
  18. Commander in Chief:
  19. Collaborative Learning Activities:
  20. Essential Questions:
  21. Endnotes
  22. Works Cited

Naataanii'

Lucille Mitchell-Gagnon

Published September 2012

Tools for this Unit:

A Call for a Convention:

James Madison called for a convention at Annapolis, Maryland, September 1786 to discuss the problem of trade between all the states. Five of the thirteen states sent delegates. Alexander Hamilton and James Madison decided to call for another conference to be held in Philadelphia on Monday of May 2, 1787. The constitution was written. When the Convention finally opened they met at the Pennsylvania State House, Independence Hall. There Thomas Jefferson had first read his Declaration of Independence. Finally Friday, May 25, 1787 there were enough delegates to begin.

The delegates were all white men, and they were far richer than the average person who lived at that time. Rhode Island refused to send anybody to the Convention. The other twelve states elected seventy-four delegates. Only fifty-five delegates showed up. On most days there were only thirty or forty delegates working. The youngest delegate was Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey who was twenty-seven. The oldest delegate was Ben Franklin who was eight-one. Most of the leaders were in their early thirties. Some served during the war, some were lawyers, and others were well known in their states.

Benjamin Franklin couldn't resist trying out new ideas. Many of his new ideas were about science. He invented the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove. He thought of new political ideas, helped write the Declaration of Independence and the peace treaty with England in 1783. By 1787 an old man in his eighties he got sick and was carried to the Convention in a first sedan chair.

George Washington was the most famous delegate at the Convention. He was a proud man respected by people and considered a national hero. He had a quick temper and was fearless. He loved horses. Having false teeth made it hard for him to speak in public. He shared his home with many people.

James Madison is often called the father of the Constitution. He was five feet six inches tall. Being wealthy he lived on a plantation and never had to work. He became a member of the Virginia government, congressman, secretary of state, and president.

The delegates had to elect a chairman and knew it would be Washington. Every single delegate voted for George Washington as chairman. After Washington took his seat, James Madison wrote all that was said and happened. Madison would not allow his notes to be published until the last delegate died. He died in 1836.

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