Lesson
John Jay (1745-1829)
What was the significance of John Jay's Treaty? How did he seek to abolish slavery on a state and national level? And what were his political roles during and after the Revolutionary period?
Founding Principles
Civil Discourse, Federalism, Limited Government, Representative / Republican Government
Learning objectives
Students will:
- explain the historical significance of Jay’s Treaty.
- explain Jay’s efforts to abolish slavery on a state and national level.
- understand John Jay’s various political roles during and after the Revolutionary period.
- analyze Jay’s Letter to Elias Boudinot in terms of the ideas in two American Founding documents.
- appreciate John Jay’s contributions to his country.
Materials
Student Handouts
- Handout A—John Jay (1745–1829)
- Handout B—Vocabulary and Context Questions
- Handout C—In His Own Words: John Jay on Slavery
- Handout D—Analysis: Founding Documents
Additional Teacher Resources
- Transparency Master A: Founding Documents
- Answer Key
Lesson Components
Lesson plan
60 minClick a phase to open it
Standards
Advanced Placement
- CCE
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John Jay epitomized the selfless leader of the American Revolution. Born to a prominent New York family, John Jay gained notoriety as a lawyer in his home state.