| Learning Goal(s): Students will understand how enlightenment ideas influenced the thinking of our Nation’s founders. Students will be able to analyze how the ideas of the Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, and the Mayflower Compact influenced the ideas of the Articles of Confederation and later the U.S. Constitution. 
| Benchmarks: SS.7.C.1.1: Recognize how Enlightenment ideas including Montesquieu's view of separation of power and John Locke's theories related to natural law and how Locke's social contract influenced the Founding Fathers. SS.7.C.1.2: Trace the impact that the Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, Mayflower Compact, and Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" had on colonists' views of government.
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Intro questions:
1.What are some possible reasons why people form into governments in the first place?
2.What are some downsides of forming into a government?
2.What are some downsides of forming into a government?
Key terms:
•Enlightenment: a period in European history when education and reasoning was considered the key to understanding and solving society’s problems.
•Social contract: an implied agreement between the people and their government that defines their rights, duties, and limitations.
•Natural rights: the belief that individuals are born with basic rights that cannot be taken away by governments.
•Separation of powers: the structure of the federal government, according to the U.S. Constitution, that sets up three branches with their own distinct powers and responsibilities.
•Checks and Balances: Each branch of government is able to limit the power of the other branches.
•Social contract: an implied agreement between the people and their government that defines their rights, duties, and limitations.
•Natural rights: the belief that individuals are born with basic rights that cannot be taken away by governments.
•Separation of powers: the structure of the federal government, according to the U.S. Constitution, that sets up three branches with their own distinct powers and responsibilities.
•Checks and Balances: Each branch of government is able to limit the power of the other branches.
Topic 1: Enlightenment Philosophy
| Directions: Students will go through the powerpoint to the right in class. The powerpoint includes notes (like key terms above) and group/class discussion questions. In class, students will group the "Enlightenment images" attached to the right with the correct enlightenment philosopher. (Locke or Montesquieu) Then, students will use the images to write a summary about each philosopher's views and how they impact American government. | 
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Topic 2: Influential Documents leading to Democracy
American democracy didn't just spring up on its own...
Many historical influences contributed in developing the government we have today.
Many historical influences contributed in developing the government we have today.
| Directions: 1. Read the file to the right titled "Influential Documents READING." 2. Fill in the "Graphic Organizer" to the right. For each document, draw a picture that summarizes its significance. 3. Identify which "Big ideas" (from the powerpoint in class) best match up with each document. |
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Exit Question
Which “Big Idea” found in our Constitution do you think is the most important? Why?
