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Lesson

James Wilson (1742-1798)

Duration: 60 min
Published: Nov 5, 2020

How did James Wilson contribute to the system of presidential elections? What were his views on the concept of popular sovereignty, and his views on punishment?

Founding Principles

Limited Government, Representative / Republican Government

Learning objectives

Students will:

explain James Wilson’s contribution to the system of presidential elections.
understand the concept of popular sovereignty and apply it to their own experiences as Americans.
understand the significance of Wilson’s 1787 Pennsylvania State House speech.
analyze the arguments about punishment Wilson presents in his “Charge to the Grand Jury” (1791).
evaluate punishment scenarios from modern society in terms of Wilson’s main ideas.

Materials

Student Handouts

Additional Teacher Resources

Lesson Components

ActivityHandout A: James Wilson (1742–1798)

ActivityHandout B: Vocabulary and Context Questions – James Wilson (1742-1798)

ActivityHandout C: In His Own Words: James Wilson On Cruel and Unusual Punishment

ActivityHandout D: Analysis: James Wilson on Cruel and Unusual Punishment

ActivityThematic Essays – James Wilson (1742-1798)

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Lesson plan

60 minClick a phase to open it

Standards

Advanced Placement

CCE

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Related materials

Portrait of a middle-aged man with white hair and glasses, wearing a black coat and white cravat, against a dark background.

FounderJames Wilson

His formidable intellect, passion for politics, and willingness to fight for his beliefs made him one of the most influential leaders of his time.