SS.7.CG.1.7

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Explain how the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to the writing of the U.S. Constitution.

Clarifications

Clarification 1: Students will identify the weaknesses of the government under the Articles of Confederation (i.e., Congress had no power to tax, to regulate trade or to enforce its laws; the national government lacked a national court system [judicial branch] and central leadership [executive branch]; no national armed forces; and changes to the Articles required unanimous consent of the 13 states).
General Information
Subject Area: Social Studies
Grade: 7
Strand: Civics and Government (Starting 2023-2024)
Standard: Demonstrate an understanding of the origins and purposes of government, law and the American political system.
Date Adopted or Revised: 07/21
Status: State Board Approved

Related Courses

This benchmark is part of these courses.
2106010: M/J Civics (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2019, 2019 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
2106015: M/J Civics (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
2106016: M/J Civics & Career Planning (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2019, 2019 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
2106020: M/J Civics, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2019, 2019 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
2106025: M/J Civics, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
2106026: M/J Civics, Advanced & Career Planning (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2019, 2019 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
7821023: Access M/J Civics and Career Planning (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2019, 2019 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
7821021: Access M/J Civics (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
2106029: M/J Civics and Digital Technologies (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
2100045: M/J United States History & Civics (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))

Related Access Points

Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
SS.7.CG.1.AP.7: Identify how the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to the writing of the U.S. Constitution.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Assessment

Assessment: Articles of Confederation:

This written assessment prompt may be used to assess student knowledge about the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and how that led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution. A rubric and sample response are provided. 

Type: Assessment

Lesson Plans

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists:

In this lesson plan, students will learn about the viewpoints of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists regarding ratification of the U.S. Constitution while completing guided notes that accompany a teacher-presented slideshow.  Students will then show what they know by completing and submitting a short written response to a provided prompt.

Type: Lesson Plan

Articles of Confederation:

In this lesson plan, students will learn about the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation while completing guided notes that accompany a teacher-presented slideshow.  Students will then show what they know by discussing the topic and sharing their responses.

Type: Lesson Plan

If At First You Don't Succeed... :

In this lesson plan, students will read a brief synopsis of the Articles of Confederation, identify weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, create their own suggestions for changes, and then see what the U.S. Constitution did to alter the Articles of Confederation.

Type: Lesson Plan

Articles of Confederation:

In this lesson plan, students will identify the weaknesses of the government under the Articles of Confederation and the impact of those weaknesses on the early political life of the United States.

Type: Lesson Plan

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation:

Students will be able to analyze images to determine which weakness in the Articles of Confederation is being represented, why that specific item was present in the Articles of Confederation, and what possible problems could occur because that weakness was included. 

Type: Lesson Plan

Constitutional Controversy:

In this lesson, students will compare the viewpoints of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists regarding ratification of the U.S. Constitution and including a bill of rights. Students will collaborate to analyze the ideas about the U.S. Constitution put forth by the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists' ideas about the need for a bill of rights.

Type: Lesson Plan

Original Student Tutorial

From Confederation to Constitution:

Learn about the Articles of Confederation, our nation’s first written constitution, in this interactive tutorial.  You'll identify its major weaknesses and their consequences and explain the reasons why America's Founders replaced the Articles of Confederation with the government we still use today, the U.S. Constitution.  

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Teaching Idea

One Pager Assessment: Articles of Confederation:

In this assessment idea, students will complete a planning and review sheet and then create a One Pager that identifies strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and explains repercussions of those strengths and weaknesses. A rubric and prep sheet (with answer key) are included.

Type: Teaching Idea

Original Student Tutorials Social Studies - Civics - Grades 6-8

From Confederation to Constitution:

Learn about the Articles of Confederation, our nation’s first written constitution, in this interactive tutorial.  You'll identify its major weaknesses and their consequences and explain the reasons why America's Founders replaced the Articles of Confederation with the government we still use today, the U.S. Constitution.  

Student Resources

Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Original Student Tutorial

From Confederation to Constitution:

Learn about the Articles of Confederation, our nation’s first written constitution, in this interactive tutorial.  You'll identify its major weaknesses and their consequences and explain the reasons why America's Founders replaced the Articles of Confederation with the government we still use today, the U.S. Constitution.  

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.