As part of their unit on the Early Republic, AP U.S. History students took on the role of a historical figure from the period to debate whether the United States should ratify the Constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation in 1787. 

Students represented a variety of historical figures, including George Washington, Abigail Adams, and Alexander Hamilton, as well as lesser-known individuals like Samuel Nasson, a shopkeeper, and Jonathan Smith and Amos Singletary, who were farmers. To prepare for the debate, students read a primary source excerpt from their assigned figure.

Then, in class, students asked one another questions about the strengths and weaknesses of the Constitution, the role of state and national governments, and the value of a Bill of Rights. They also examined issues such as taxation, standing armies, and the utility of the Articles of Confederation. 

The lesson was an interactive experience that allowed students to analyze and ponder about how the Constitution affected all Americans in the 1780s and 1790s.