Colonies and Founders

Overview

This Fact of Congress describes the people who lived in the 13 colonies and explains that the peo­ple who led the fight to freedom and founded our government are referred to as the “Founders.”

 

Standards

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Key Terms

Colony: A colony is a territory separated from but subject to a ruling power. Before the U.S. gov­ernment was established, there were 13 colonies under British rule: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Declaration of Independence: A document listing American colonial grievances against Britain, drafted by the Founders in 1776.

Founders: People who led the fight to freedom and founded our government are referred to as the “Founders” or “Founding Fathers.”

 

Discussion Questions

Check for Understanding

These questions are designed to assess students’ knowledge of concepts introduced in this Fact of Congress.

1. Whom do we refer to as the Founders?
2. What is the Declaration of Independence?

Extending Concepts

These questions are designed to extend students’ understanding of concepts introduced in this Fact of Congress.

1. What are the foundational concepts that our constitutional government is based on?
2. What grievances did the Founders have against British rule? How are these grievances reflected in our government today?

Suggested Activities

You may want to complete one or more of the activities below after your students have watched Fact of Congress: Colonies and Founders.

Grades 4 – 8

America’s Founding Fathers

Have students visit the National Archives Experience at http://www.archives.gov/national_archives_experience/constitution_founding_fathers.html and read about America’s Founding Fathers. Tell students to choose one Founder and write a paper that describes the life and political views of that person.

 

The Case for Stronger Government

Have students conduct research to find out what the government of the United States was like after the American Revolution, but before the writing of the U.S. Constitution. Ask students to imagine that the Revolutionary War has ended several months ago. Tell students to write a news­paper editorial that explains why the United States needs a Constitution that establishes a stronger government.

 

Grades 9 – 12

What Would the Founders Think?

Conduct a whole - class discussion about the ideas presented in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Have students write a paper from a Founder’s point of view. This paper should examine the current government and discuss whether or not the United States has upheld the ideas the Founders included in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

 

Lesson Plan Feedback

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