A 45-minute stand-alone lesson centered on the Constitutional Convention's debate over representation and the Three-Fifths Compromise. It includes chunked reading for accessibility, a high-engagement 'Four Corners' activity, and a graphic organizer assessment designed for formal observation alignment with the Danielson Framework.
You believe wealth and property make a country strong. Since enslaved labor creates wealth, you believe that wealth must be protected with political power.
Your Position
Count for REPRESENTATION.
Argument (Read Aloud)
"Our wealth makes this nation strong. If we contribute more value, we deserve more votes. Power must match the wealth of the states!"
Abraham Baldwin
Georgia
Background
Representing Georgia. You believe the South needs strong representation to prevent the North from passing laws that hurt your region's farming interests.
Your Position
Count for REPRESENTATION.
Argument (Read Aloud)
"Georgia is a young state. We need every person counted so we can stand up to the powerful North. Our future depends on these numbers!"
Alexander Hamilton
New York
Background
You want a powerful government that can collect taxes. While you dislike slavery, your biggest goal is making sure the national government has authority over states.
Your Position
Count for TAXATION/Deal.
Argument (Read Aloud)
"Wealth must be taxed to make this nation work. If the South has population, they must pay their share. Compromise is the only path to stability."
George Mason
Virginia
Background
You own many enslaved people but worry about morality. Yet, you fear a powerful North will use the government to take away state rights and property.
Your Position
Count for REPRESENTATION.
Argument (Read Aloud)
"We must protect our states from a government that might destroy our economy. Representation must reflect our population so we can defend ourselves!"
Gunning Bedford
Delaware
Background
From a small state. Suspicious of large states. You think they want to count enslaved people just to "bully" the smaller states in Congress with more votes.
Your Position
NO counting for votes.
Argument (Read Aloud)
"The large states are greedy! Why should they get extra votes for owning property? Small states will not be ignored in this government!"
Roger Sherman
Connecticut
Background
Practical. Believes states must find a middle ground to stay united. While you don't like slavery, you care more about having a functional nation.
Your Position
Pragmatic Compromise.
Argument (Read Aloud)
"We have compromised once already. Let us do it again. A partial count is better than no Union at all. We must be practical to succeed!"
John Rutledge
South Carolina
Background
Powerful Southern delegate. You believe "interest" rules over morality. You won't accept a plan that taxes your wealth or limits your influence.
Your Position
FULL representation!
Argument (Read Aloud)
"This is not about humanity; this is about interest! Our interest is wealth and power in the House. We will have our full share!"
Benjamin Franklin
Pennsylvania
Background
Wisest delegate. An abolitionist, but a master diplomat. You know the Convention will fail without a deal. You are willing to yield points to save the Union.
Your Position
COMPROMISE for Union.
Argument (Read Aloud)
"I don't entirely approve of this plan, but I expect no better. We must yield some points, or we shall leave as separate nations."
William Paterson
New Jersey
Background
Author of the New Jersey Plan. You think large states are greedy. If enslaved people aren't citizens, they shouldn't count for any votes.
Your Position
Count for TAXATION only.
Argument (Read Aloud)
"Has a man in Virginia more right to a vote than a man in New Jersey? Why should he get more power for owning property?"
William Davie
North Carolina
Background
You are firm: the South will never join a Union that treats enslaved people as zero. Population is the only fair way to count power.
Your Position
Count for REPRESENTATION.
Argument (Read Aloud)
"We will never confederate on terms that don't include three-fifths of our people. We must have representation or we leave!"
Oliver Ellsworth
Connecticut
Background
You believe that if states don't compromise, the Union will die. You are from the North but willing to give the South power to keep them in.
Your Position
Support COMPROMISE.
Argument (Read Aloud)
"Morality is a state issue. Our issue is the Union. We must accept the Three-Fifths rule to ensure we have a government at all."
Caleb Strong
Massachusetts
Background
From a state where slavery is ending. You think Southern demands are ridiculous, but you fear a civil war if no agreement is reached.
Your Position
Northern Peacemaker.
Argument (Read Aloud)
"If we can't agree on counting people, how can we agree on a Constitution? We must find a way to balance power before they walk away."
C. C. Pinckney
South Carolina
Background
Revolutionary War veteran. You believe the South has given up enough. You want the Constitution to protect property rights with power.
Your Position
Count for REPRESENTATION.
Argument (Read Aloud)
"The South will be a minority without these votes. We must have full representation so the North does not tax us into poverty!"
