OBJECTIVES:

• a.       Examine the Enlightenment and how it influenced the American Revolution.

• b.      Evaluate the causes of the American Revolutionary War.

• c.       Discuss the fundamental principals of the United States Constitution.

• d.      Explore the arguments for and against the Constitution including the Bill of Rights.

 DISCUSSION

Which is better, the rule of one or the rule of many?  What made men first begin to question the established ruling traditions of government?  Various individuals emerged in history with different ideas about the role of men and government, but America was the first place where these ideas would be put to the test.  As others watched, America begins an experiment in democracy.              

There were many factors which influenced the establishment of the new nation and the development of the U.S. Constitution, especially the philosophers who shared their ideas during a period of time in history called “the enlightenment.”  The enlightenment mostly occurred during the 1700s in Europe – mostly in England, France and Germany and was a  time when many individuals thought about what the “best government” might look like.  These thoughts were written down and formed the ideas that established the U.S. Constitution.  Early American law makers argued about what would be the best form of government and often quoted the philosophers of the Enlightenment.  This module will have you look at the various factors that influenced the development of democracy in America.

TIME PERIOD:  1618-1782

• TIMELINE (http://www.sparknotes.com/history/european/enlightenment/timeline.html)

DOWNLOAD the Study Guide for this Module.

Assignment 1.00 - Foundations of America

1. Go to the assignment area and click on assignment 1.00.  Take the “pre test” to see how well you know the material (I don’t expect you to do this perfectly, so do it before reading any of this module).
2. Download Module Study Guide for Module 1.  Familiarize yourself with the terms and historical persons contained within this document. 
3. Type out the vocabulary term definitions and write two sentences about each person.
4. Make sure to complete the Essays (they are 25% of the grade for this assignment)!
5. When you are finished: Go to Assignment, click "View/Complete Assignment" and attach your Word document here.

You can use your history book for this activity or find these definitions and people on the Web.

DOWNLOAD the Study Guide for this Module.