The Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers were written and published during the years
1787 and 1788 in several New York State newspapers to persuade New
York voters to ratify the proposed constitution.
In total, the Federalist Papers consist of 85 essays outlining how
this new government would operate and why this type of government
was the best choice for the United States of America. All of the essays
were signed "PUBLIUS" and the actual authors of some are
under dispute, but the general consensus is that Alexander Hamilton
wrote 52, James Madison wrote 28, and John Jay contributed the remaining
five.
Lesson Plans | Primary
Sources |
Lesson Plans:
A
Guide for Government Activity - What follows are quotations from
several essays in The Federalist Papers. After each selection are
two kinds of activities. The first activity includes questions that
should be discussed and answered by the whole class or in small groups.
If necessary, refer to a dictionary or your government textbook. The
second activity after each selection is intended as an individual
or homework assignment.
Before
and Beyond the Constitution. What should a president do? - students
look at the role of President as defined in the Constitution and consider
the precedent-setting accomplishments of George Washington.
Primary Source Documents:
Federalist
Papers Index - The Federalist Papers remain today as an excellent
reference for anyone who wants to understand the U.S.
Constitution.
United
States Constitution - The members of the Constitutional Convention
signed the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787 in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. The Constitutional Convention convened in response to
dissatisfaction with the Articles of Confederation and the need for
a strong centralized government. After four months of secret debate
and many compromises, the proposed Constitution was submitted to the
states for approval. Although the vote was close in some states, the
Constitution was eventually ratified and the new Federal government
came into existence in 1789. The Constitution established the U.S.
government as it exists today.
|
=Elem/Middle School K-8
