Jefferson (Last name M-Z)

Description: You are responsible for convincing President Washington that your ideas and beliefs are what is in the best interest of the country, you have a strong foe that feels much differently than you on most issues. Can you convince the President to see things your way? The future of the country is at stake.

The major differences between two of Washington’s cabinet members, Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, eventually led to the formation of the first political parties in the United States. In order to better understand the beliefs that separated these men, and the country, you and your peers will engage in a class debate. You will be assigned to Jefferson or Hamilton.

Each student, whether representing Hamilton of Jefferson, and defend your position by supporting your ideas with facts.

Debate:
The class will be split into two sides, one representing Jefferson and one Hamilton. Washington (teacher) will be leading a cabinet meeting that will cover various topics and beliefs. Each side will have an opening argument (overall beliefs), an opportunity to state their belief on each topic, followed by two rounds of rebuttals, and then closing arguments. You will be evaluated based on your ability to effectively communicate and defend your arguments with the use of evidence and a thorough evaluation of the issues.

Criteria:
 Demonstration of knowledge and understanding
 Use of critical thinking
 Communicates effectively
 Application of research to arguments

Resources:

http://time.com/4210440/jefferson-hamilton-excerpt/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/hamilton/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.