U.S. History · Unit 2 · Constitution and ratification

A Constitution in the Balance

Printable review companion · Revisit constitutional compromises and competing arguments about national power.

Eyeballs over screens. Use this after studying the topic, with your existing class notes and assigned readings. Work on paper, independently or with a partner. This companion can be saved or printed from your browser and used without an internet connection.

Review and discuss

1. Choose a constitutional compromise discussed in class. Identify the interests it reconciled and whose interests it excluded or harmed.
2. Compare one argument for ratification with one argument against it. Ground both in a document or passage you have already read.
3. Identify a constitutional safeguard from your notes. Explain the abuse of power it was intended to prevent and a limitation of that safeguard.

Thinking to carry forward

Which compromise or safeguard most shaped the constitutional system? Support your conclusion.

Compare your reasoning with your notes and discuss uncertainties with your teacher. There is no automated scoring or answer key.