In this lesson, students will draw connections between the formation of American political parties, political parties in other countries, and the concept of group work (its limitations and benefits). They will examine the tensions in early American history that led to the rise of political parties- the creation of a national bank, the relationship the young United States should have with its former enemy Great Britain, the size and strength of the national government versus the state government, agrarian society versus a manufacturing and commercial one, the Whiskey Rebellion, and perspectives on the French Revolution- and read primary source excerpts from the leaders of these nascent political parties- Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Adams. Then students will bridge these rich details from early American history and apply some of the trends to political situations in other countries. They will end by considering the ramifications of
political parties and deciding if they are worth the trouble.
- Subject:
- Social Studies
- Material Type:
- Lesson Plan
- Provider:
- Thomas Jefferson Foundation
- Date Added:
- 02/14/2017