What to Know
What would political experts today warn founders about the direction the country might go? Advice includes:
- Address what happens when people disregard norms and niceties, and what happens when one branch of government does not want to be a check on another and abdicates that role.
- Acknowledge that the impeachment process does not work, and is too party-aligned
- Money drives politics and parties in ways the founding fathers could not have anticipated
Why It Matters
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Americans have an opportunity to reflect on both the nation's accomplishments and its ongoing challenges amid modern political, social, and economic realities. Reexamining the strengths and weaknesses of the country's governing institutions can help us better understand how democracy has evolved since the founding era.
Discussion Questions
- What piece of advice would you give to the founding fathers?
- Which of the proposed pieces of advice to the founding fathers do you find most convincing? Do you agree or disagree with it? Why?
America at 250: From Revolution to Republic
This collection traces the nation’s journey from colonial life and growing resistance to British rule, through the Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence, and the creation of a new constitutional government. Organized thematically, the resources support instruction in U.S. history, civics, and ELA while encouraging inquiry, discussion, and critical thinking.
Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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