Act III: How Did the Constitutional Convention Work Out the Details of Government?

This short video examines the role played by the Committee on Detail in defining the powers of Congress, the most important of which were the power to tax and the power to regulate commerce. The Committee wanted to promote an interstate commercial republic and specified congressional powers to achieve that goal. According to Professor Gordon Lloyd, the inclusion of the “necessary and proper clause” was the most significant contribution of this Committee.

Grades 10, 11, 12
Legislative Branch/Congress
Video

Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) Middle School Level

This case summary provides teachers with everything they need to teach about Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857). It contains background information in the form of summaries and important vocabulary at three different reading levels, as well a review of relevant legal concepts, diagram of how the case moved through the court system, and summary of the decision. This resource also includes five classroom-ready activities that teach about the case using interactive methods. High school level also available.

Grades 7, 8, 9
Judicial Branch/Supreme Court
ESL Appropriate