The Constitution and the Idea of Compromise Why Celebrate Constitution Day? George Washington as Military Leader The Theory of the American Founding, Part 1: Why Government? The Theory of the American Founding, Part 2: Why Government by Consent? The Theory of the American Founding, Part 3: Why Equal Protection of the Law? George Washington and Religious Liberty George Washington and the Problem of Slavery George Washington and the Rule of Law George Washington and Civic Virtue Curriculum Developers

The Theory of the American Founding, Part Two: Why Government by Consent? Overview This lesson discusses the idea of government by the consent of the governed, and why such government is the only legitimate kind of government from the point of view of the American Founders. Discussion questions follow the reading. Objective Students will analyze historical evidence including primary sources to understand what it means for a government to operate with the consent of the governed, and why that is important. Standards National Council for the Social Studies: Thematic Strands I, II, V, VI, X Arizona Academic Standards, Social Studies: 1SS-E17, E18; 2SS-E3, E7, P1, P5, P10 California History-Social Science Content Standards: 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4; 11.1; 12.1, 12.2 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills: Social Studies 8.1, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.16, 8.21, 8.23; U.S. Government 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16 Bibliography Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, The Federalist Papers, ed. Clinton Rossiter, with Introduction and notes by Charles Kesler (New York: Mentor Books, 1999). Declaration of Independence, 1776. Massachusetts Constitution of 1780. Suggested Procedure: Write the word “consent” on the board. Ask students why they should be allowed to give their consent to the government. Write the word “king” on the board. Ask students to describe how a king rules. Does a king need the consent of the governed? Why or why not? Distribute copies of the reading, "The Theory of the American Founding, Part Two: Why Government by Consent?" Have students work individually or in groups to read the essay and complete the study questions. With the entire class, discuss the reading and the student responses to the questions. Copyright© 2002 The Claremont Institute. All rights reserved.