Join us tomorrow, Friday, September 11, at 1 p.m. EDT for the final session on the Foundations of American Democracy. In this session, students will examine the form of government established by the Constitution, and its key ideas—including natural rights, the rule of law, and popular sovereignty. By examining the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, students will learn how these two documents set the foundation for American democracy and make possible the freedom that is the birthright of all Americans.
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Explore and register for future Scholar Exchange dates.
Constitution 101: The Constitutional Convention
In this session, students will examine the issues and events that led to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787, including the weakness of the Articles of Confederation, Shay’s Rebellion, and the growing need for a new national government. Students will also explore the Convention, and its major turning points and compromises—including the Connecticut Compromise, the Electoral College, the Three-Fifth Compromise, and the Slave Trade Clause.
- Monday, September 14, and Wednesday, September 16
- Middle School Session – 12 p.m. EDT
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Register here.
- High School and College Session – 2 p.m. EDT
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Register here.
- Friday, September 18
- All Ages Session – 1 p.m. EDT
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Register here.
Ratification Debates
In this session, students will explore the battle over the ratification of the Constitution—beginning with Convention delegates like George Mason who refused to sign the Constitution and continuing through the debates between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. The class will also examine great works like The Federalist Papers (#10 and #51) and Brutus #1. Students will explore why this time in America was called a “grand national discussion.”
- Monday, September 21 and Wednesday, September 23
- Middle School Session – 12 p.m. EDT
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Register here.
- High School and College Session – 2 p.m. EDT
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Register here.
- Friday, September 25
- All Ages Session – 1 p.m. EDT
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Register here.
Part lecture and part lively conversation, sessions are open to the public so that students, teachers, and parents can join in a constitutional discussion with the Center's scholars.
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Join the National Constitution Center on September 17 at 12 p.m. EDT for a special Student Town Hall with U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Neil M. Gorsuch. Justice Gorsuch will speak about his career, the role of the judicial branch, and what it’s like to sit on the Supreme Court. National Constitution Center President and CEO Jeffrey Rosen will moderate the discussion.
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Private Scholar Exchanges—which include your class, a scholar, and a moderator—are also available on any of the topics previously discussed in a public Scholar Exchange. Complete this survey for more information or to register your class. A member of the education team will contact you to help with the planning process.
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Classroom Exchanges connect middle and high school students across the United States for virtual discussions about the Constitution. These sessions are moderated by National Constitution Center scholars, federal judges, and master teachers, but led by student voice. Participating teachers receive lesson plans on the content of the discussion and on civil dialogue techniques, as well as educational resources from the Center's Interactive Constitution.
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The National Constitution Center will award its 32nd annual Liberty Medal to the Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, for her efforts to advance liberty and equality for all. The National Constitution Center will honor Justice Ginsburg through a video tribute in words and music broadcast live on Thursday, September 17, 2020, Constitution Day.
The program, featuring performances by internationally renowned opera singers and tributes from special friends of Justice Ginsburg and produced by NBCUniversal, will debut at constitutioncenter.org/liberty-medal on Thursday, September 17 at 6:30 p.m. EDT.
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Learn more about Women and the Constitution, a yearlong initiative that celebrates women’s equality and leadership, and includes a new long-term exhibit on the 19th Amendment, national constitutional conversations and debates, podcast episodes, blog posts, and educational materials that engage middle and high school students and learners of all ages.
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Celebrate the 233rd anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention. Join in-depth discussions, and the best of Colonial Williamsburg’s historical interpretation, bringing the history of America’s governing document to life.
Virtual Events Include:
- The Great U.S. Constitutional Debate: Madison vs. Mason
- Friday September 18, at 7 p.m.
- So Important an Interest: Slavery and the U.S. Constitution
- Saturday September 19, at 7 p.m.
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The National Constitution Center's education team is here to help with any of our online resources. Email [email protected] with questions or comments on how we can help you and your students with your remote learning needs.
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