Description of lesson/activity
1. define the concept of democracy.
2. evaluate the definition of democracy according to Thomas Jefferson.
3. assess democracy in the United States between 1800 and 1848.
4. interpret a primary resource.
5. write a persuasive essay to support his/her point of view.
1. In Unit V students have examined democracy in the United States between 1800 and 1848 through a series of issues and events: United States foreign policy, states' rights, sectionalism, Andrew Jackson's presidency, Manifest Destiny, and reform movements. Question/Problem 7, "Was the United States a true democracy between 1800-1848?" requires students to use this knowledge.
2. Students should define democracy in their own words. This may be done as a homework assignment and brought to class.
3. The teacher can begin class by having students share their responses. This discussion will broaden students' understanding of the concept of democracy. The teacher should make it clear that the democracy of this period may seem flawed by the standards of modern America, but it was the "cutting edge" of democracy in the world of the 1940s.
4. At this point students will be better prepared to examine a primary resource which defines democracy. Distribute "Jefferson's View of Democracy: Student Worksheet." This is the standard against which they should make their decision.
5. It is suggested that students work with the teacher to analyze the document in order to increase comprehension of Jefferson's point of view. The goal of this activity is to provide students with a strong base from which to evaluate democracy in the United States.
6. Distribute "Concluding Activity: True Democracy Essay." The students are required to write a persuasive essay which proves or disproves the claim that the United States was a true democracy between 1800 and 1848.
7. It may be helpful to give students one class period to find supporting evidence and plan the persuasive essay. An additional class period for writing or revising the rough draft is also recommended.
8. An assessment tool for evaluating the persuasive essay is provided.
Resource 1: Jefferson's View of Democracy: Student Worksheet
Resource 2: Concluding Activity: True Democracy Essay
Resource 3: Assessment Criteria: True Democracy Essay