Madison – Architect of the Constitution

• Lesson Objective - Describe the events that occurred at the Constitutional Convention.

Preview: Read “Operating Procedures,” page 53,• answer the follow questions, write the

answers in your notebook, restate the questions in your answers, do not write the questions

• 1. What was the secrecy rule? • 2. What did the secrecy rule enable the

delegates to do? • 3. Do you think government today would be

able to use a secrecy rule? Why or Why not?

Preview: Read “Operating Procedures,” page 53,• 1. What was the secrecy rule?

• The secrecy rule was an agreement to keep all discussion secret.

• The public was not allowed to attend meetings, the doors were guarded, and the windows kept tightly shut despite the summer heat.

Preview: Read “Operating Procedures,” page 53,• 2. What did the secrecy rule enable the

delegates to do?

• The secrecy rule enable the delegates to ____________________

Preview: Read “Operating Procedures,” page 53,• 2. What did the secrecy rule enable the

delegates to do?

• The secrecy rule enabled the delegates to to speak freely, without worrying about the public’s reaction.

• That made it easier for them to bargain with one another and to change their minds on the many issues debated. (no formal records)

Preview: Read “Operating Procedures,” page 53,

• 3. Do you think government today would be able to use a secrecy rule? Why or Why not?

• Government today would __ be able to use a secrecy rule because ________

Preview: Read “Operating Procedures,” page 53,

3. Do you think government today would be able to use a secrecy rule? Why or Why not?

• Government today would not be able to use a secrecy rule because most government meeting have to be open to the public.

• Sunshine Laws – require public meetings, CSPAN for the Senate and Congress

Reading Strategy – Categorizing Information

Reading Strategy – Categorizing Information • Organize information

about the early decisions of the Constitutional Convention by completing a graphic organizer like the one on the board.

• Read “Early Decisions,” pages 53, and complete the chart as you read

Early Decisions of the Constitutional Convention

Early Decisions of the Constitutional Convention• George Washington

presided• Meetings not held

unless delegates from at least seven states were present

• Majority rule• Each state had one

vote• All decisions secret• Discard the Articles • Write new constitution

James Madison – Architect of the Constitution

James Madison – Architect of the

Constitution • James Madison was

born in Virginia in 1751.

• He grew up on his family’s plantation, which had many slaves.

• His family was wealthy.

James Madison – Architect of the

Constitution • Madison went to

college in New Jersey where he read the works of classic thinkers

• In 1776, he help write the Declaration of Independence

James Madison – Architect of the

Constitution

James Madison – Architect of the

Constitution • He also helped write

his own state of Virginia’s constitution.

• In 1779 Madison was elected to the Continental Congress

James Madison – Architect of the

Constitution • He called for a

Constitutional Convention to create a stronger government for the United States

James Madison – Architect of the

Constitution • Dolly Madison –

James Madison's Wife

• Read the Historical Background Information

• Pass out the photo card

• wealthy men of the time often had their portraits pained

• Look at the portrait

closely • Answer the

discussion questions as a class.

• What role do you think Madison was in when this portrait was made?

• What expression is on his face in this portrait?

• What is Madison best known for accomplishing?

• How does this portrait compare to other portraits of the time period?

• Work with your partner to complete the activities on the back of the photo card.

• Students who finish early may complete the challenge.

Processing Document Based Questions (DBQ)

• Assessment- Document 3 of Making a New Nation, the Declaration of Independence, 1776