Fernando M. Reimers et al.

Optional Extension Activity

Jefferson and Hamilton: A Debate about the Role of
the New Government

Students should be divided into two groups. One group will read a book
about Alexander Hamilton, and the other will read a book about Jefferson.
The Hamilton group may read James Lincoln Collier’s The Alexander
Hamilton You Never Knew or Nancy Whitelaw’s More Perfect Union: The
Story of Alexander Hamilton, which discuss his youth and family and the
experiences that shaped his perspective on government. The Jefferson group
may read Jennifer Armstrong’s Dear Mr. President: Letters from Philadelphia
Bookwor/e or Russell Shorto’s Thomas fcfierson and the American Ideal.

After reading the books, the students should prepare, for their use, a brief
fact sheet on the historical background and points of View of Hamilton and
Jefferson. Then in class, the teacher should lead a formal debate between the
two groups. The teacher should remind the students to stick to the facts and
to what they learned about these two historical figures.

They should prepare a short shit that depicts the debates of the original writ-
ers of the Constitution, the controversies, and the differing viewpoints of
the original founders of the nation.

Activity 6.6.1.4

A Closer Look at the Three Branches

Each group from the previous exercise should research their branch of gov—
ernment and present to the class what they’ve learned. They should be able
to answer these questions:

- What is the purpose of the branch?

— What are the powers of the branch?

— What are the limits to the power of the branch?

— Who can be elected to this branch, and how are some of its mem—
bers appointed?

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