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Lesson

Is the Constitution Pro or Anti-Slavery?

Guiding question

How did the expansion of slavery into new territories intensify sectional tensions?

Grade
6–8
Published
Sep 4, 2025
The seated statue of Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial, surrounded by stone walls.
How can primary source documents help us understand the perspective on slavery of the author's of the U.S. Constitution?

Founding Principles

Natural/Inalienable Rights, Equality

Virtues

Justice

Objectives

  • Students will analyze primary source documents to determine the author’s perspective on slavery and the U.S. Constitution.
  • Students will distinguish between pro-slavery and anti-slavery arguments presented in historical texts.
  • Students will evaluate how historical figures interpreted the Constitution in relation to the institution of slavery.
  • Students will cite textual evidence to support claims about a document’s stance on slavery and the Constitution.

Materials

Student Resources:

Lesson Components

ActivityIs the Constitution a Slavery or Anti-Slavery Document Primary Source Set

Four primary source documents from the mid-1800's that explore the topic of slavery and the U.S. Constitution.

Lesson plan

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Standards

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