Grade 8 Lesson at a Glance: Chapter 5, Lesson 1

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
A More Perfect Union

Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 5, Lesson 1: Internal Conflict (pp. 134-139)

The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Conflict Disagreements on how to manage the new government and deal with foreign nations led to the creation of two political groups, the Federalists and the Republicans.

Explain the philosophic and political differences between the Federalists and the Republicans, including the attitudes on strong central government, agriculture vs. manufacturing, and the effect of taxes on the North and the South. Be sure students understand that while Republicans had greater faith in the people's ability to govern than Federalists did, the Republicans concept was still far from today's ideal of universal suffrage.

Review the terms of the Alien and Sedition Acts. Be sure students understand the power these laws gave to the government. Discuss the political motivations that led to their creation.

Lesson Outline
Use the Lesson Outline to preview the content of the lesson. You may wish to print it for your students as a guide during reading.

Check for Understanding

Arrange students in groups and have each group create a table showing Federalist and Republican beliefs for both domestic and foreign issues. Review each group's product.
Assign each student the role of Republican or Federalist and have each draw a political cartoon expressing either their point of view or making fun of their opponent's point of view. Display and discuss.

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