The Creation of the Constitution: Opposing Viewpoints

School Library Journal

Gr 9 UpAn in-depth look at the controversies surrounding the creation and ratification of the U.S. Constitution that helps students see how the split over its implementation eventually resulted in the beginnings of our two-party system. Opposing viewpoints are provided about the need for replacing the Articles of Confederation with a stronger document; the rival plans for it; the problems in forming a republican government (including the slavery issue); the debate over the strength of the executive; and whether the finished Constitution should be ratified. The last chapter contains two modern articles that discuss whether the framers or the American people are responsible for the document's success. Authors include Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Franklin, Patrick Henry, and Samuel Adams. Appendixes include the Articles of Confederation, the 1787 Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. There is an extensive annotated bibliography. Although the information will be useful for reports, some YAs will find the language difficult to follow.Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO