The Framers of the Constitution


Alexander HamiltonwashingtonWilliam FewdaytonBenjamin FranklinGeorge ClymerGeorge Read

Constitution Day Scavenger Hunt with 60-Second Civics


Lesson Overview 

Fifty-five delegates were present at the Constitutional Convention, which was held in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787. Most students can identify George Washington, James Madison, and maybe even Alexander Hamilton. But what about the other fifty-two delegates? Who were they? How did they influence the convention? In this lesson students will familiarize themselves with the delegates by listening to a series of 60-Second Civics podcast episodes devoted to the Framers of the Constitution. This lesson can be used as an introduction to any social studies or history unit about the creation of the Constitution. As students go through this and subsequent units, they should pay attention to the role these delegates or Framers played not only at the convention but in the first decades of our nation’s history. 

Suggested grade levels: Fifth–tenth grades (upper elementary, middle, and high school)

Objectives: By the end of this lesson students should be able to
  • identify the fifty-five delegates to the Constitutional Convention and the states they represented;
  • compare the similarities and differences between the delegates; and
  • discuss the political work the delegates went on to do after the convention.

60-Second Civics Podcasts on the Framers of the Constitution

Tip: If you would like to continue using 60-Second Civics in your classroom, please visit the podcast’s homepage at https://civiced.org/60-second-civics. Many teachers use the podcast and the Daily Civics Quiz, also found on that page, as a daily warmup activity.

Have you enjoyed this free lesson plan and the 60-Second Civics podcast? Help us reach even more of our nation’s young people. Consider making a donation to the Center for Civic Education by visiting civiced.org/donate.
About

CCE LogoThe Center for Civic Education is a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating an informed and thoughtful citizenry committed to democratic principles and actively engaged in the practice of democracy. We do this primarily through our flagship programs, We the People and Project Citizen, but we also provide high-quality, inquiry-driven curricular programs that bring civic learning to life. The Center additionally equips educators with professional learning that builds confidence and capacity to teach civics with depth and relevance, unlocks students’ civic agency by creating opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, and share their voices through simulated hearings and other public forums. These initiatives build a national community committed to strengthening civic understanding and participation for all and root everything in decades of research and evidence. Learn more.

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