Lesson
The Role of Government
Guiding question
How does the U.S. Constitution limit the powers of government?
The Framers of the U.S. Constitution knew that the new government they crafted must be more powerful and effective than the government under the Articles of Confederation. They studied history and human nature to create a government strong enough to promote the public good, but not so strong that it would become a threat to individual liberties.
Founding Principles
Objectives
- Students will analyze how the Constitution established a limited form of government.
- Students will trace the arguments found in the Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers and in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) to determine how the “Necessary and Proper Clause” has been understood and interpreted.
Materials
Educator Resources
Student Handouts
- Handout A: Limited Government Cards
- Handout B: How Is Government Limited in the Constitution?
- Handout C: McCulloch Case Background
- Handout D: The United States Constitution, Article I, Section 8, Clause 18
- Handout E: An Old Whig
- Handout F: Brutus No. 1
- Handout G: Federalist No. 33
- Handout H: Federalist No. 39
Lesson Components
ActivityPrimary Source: An Old Whig
ActivityPrimary Source: Brutus No. 1
EssayEssay: The Role of Government
The Framers of the U.S. Constitution knew that the new government they crafted must be more powerful and effective than the government under the Articles of Confederation. They studied history and human nature to create a government strong enough to promote the public good, but not so strong that it would become a threat to individual liberties.
Lesson plan
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Key Terms
- natural rights
- First Amendment
- Articles of Confederation
- James Madison
- liberty