About Us
Congress: The Context
SUBJECTS
U.S. History, Government, and Social Studies
GRADE LEVEL
10-12
OBJECTIVES
Students will become members of the Grand Jury. They will look at evidence and determine whether or not the actions of Congress contributed to the Civil War. Since Congress made decisions, each will be presented as its own charge. In other words, each of the decisions will be scrutinized and independently evaluated. All decisions must be unanimous.
LESSON PLAN
Background
The 1800s were a time of prosperity, disparity, adventure, and war in the United States. As a nation, we grew through the Louisiana Purchase, the Industrial Revolution, Manifest Destiny, the development of canals and railroads, and much more. It was also a time of war -- Barbary Wars, War of 1812, Creek War, War of Texas Independence, Mexican War, and Civil War.
Under the Constitution, Congress was given the power to declare war and the president was given the power to wage war. The president cannot, under our system, declare war.
Congress made some critical decisions from 1820-1860, a time known as the Antebellum Era. Antebellum means “before war.” These decisions may or may not have been responsible for the Civil War, 1861-1865. This lesson will explore the relationship between congressional decisions and the war.
The year is 1867. America is suffering, having lost great numbers of the population, and those who fought and did survive are finding it difficult to return to “normal.” A group of citizens is concerned that the actions taken by the Congress during the years 1820-1860, caused the Civil War and feel that those Congressmen deserve to be put on trial for what they did to our nation. Another group stands by the decisions made by Congress and feel that the Congressmen did all they could to keep the peace. A group of prosecutors feels they have sufficient evidence to put forth a case and have brought it to the Grand Jury for consideration.
The Cases
The cases in question are:
The Missouri Compromise of 1820
When examining these issues, it will be important to see what was happening in the nation as a direct result of these actions. Take a look at the different political parties that were formed, the incidents involving John Brown, and even on the floor of the Senate with Charles Sumner and Preston Brooks.
The Decisions
For each decision, you’ll need to come up with the following information:
When your group has researched and compiled your information, be prepared to present it to the team of prosecutors (the class) using the medium of your choice (PowerPoint, documents, posters, etc.). Remember, all sources need to be cited properly.
RESOURCES
CREDIT
Adapted from "Congress on Trial" presented by a Congress in the Classroom® 2009 participant, Jeanne Blair, Cedar Heights, Port Orchard, WA.
