Creating the Constitution

by Wil Mara

Overview

Explores the creation of the Constitution. Authoritative text, colorful illustrations, illuminating sidebars, and a "Voices from the Past" feature make this book an exciting and informative read.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781635172430
Publisher:	North Star Editions
Publication date:	08/01/2017
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	660L (what's this?)
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Articles of Confederation 5

Chapter 2 Problems Develop 11

Chapter 3 The Virginia Plan 17

Voices from the Past: Disagreement over Slavery 22

Chapter 4 Ratification 25

Focus on the Constitution 30

Glossary 31

To Learn More 32

Index 32

Editorial Reviews

Following the American Revolution, the newly established republic struggled to govern itself. During the period of the Revolution, America had been loosely governed under the authorities of the Articles of Confederation. In short order, the Articles were found to be inadequate to peacetime governance and a legal tool that did not truly unify the nation. A Constitutional Convention was called, with representatives of the thirteen states coming together to re-tool the fabric of the nation’s government. After tough debate, the "Virginia Plan" advocated by James Madison and other delegates from his state emerged as a favored model. This approach featured three branches of government, each of which provided a check and balance of the other branches. The United States Constitution was drafted with the three branch structure in place. A state-by-state vote to approve the new Constitution followed. That resulted in the first amendments to the Constitution and the eventual passage of what remains the foundation of governance in the United States. This illustrated “Foundations of Our Nation” series title provide students with critical information regarding the subject matter. Mara covers a complex subject in only thirty pages and does so in ways that should support instruction and allow readers to gain a beginning understanding of just how their nation’s government was founded. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck; Ages 8 to 12.

Children's Literature - Greg M. Romaneck