Name three weaknesses of the government under the Articles of Confederation.

The national government could not raise funds, enforce foreign treaties, or suppress rebellions.

What was the main goal of the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia in 1787?

To introduce a new national constitution to create a stronger federal government.

A series of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to argue in favor of the new Constitution.

The lack of explicit protections for individual liberties.

Grade 8th Grade · Social Studies · 40 min

I can identify the historical documents and debates that influenced the Bill of Rights.

TED-Ed · 4:33

Why wasn’t the Bill of Rights originally in the US Constitution? - James Coll

3 key concepts

1
The Bill of Rights, which includes freedoms like freedom of speech and protection from illegal searches, was not included in the original US Constitution but was added three years later.
2
The Anti-Federalists worried that the Constitution lacked protections for individual liberties and insisted on adding a declaration of rights.
3
James Madison, a leading Federalist, initially felt a Bill of Rights was unnecessary but later proposed ten amendments to the Constitution, which were ratified in 1791.

8 questions · Multiple choice & Short answer

Quick comprehension check

“Name two groups involved in the debates surrounding the Bill of Rights and describe their differing viewpoints.”

Get all 3 ready-to-use resources:

Teacher GuideComplete lesson plan

Student DocPrintable student handouts

SlidesReady-to-use presentation