Unit Plan 19 (Grade 5 Social Studies): The Articles of Confederation
Students examine the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and learn why its problems—like money, trade, and national defense—led leaders to call for a stronger Constitution.
Focus: Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of America’s first national government and explain why many leaders called for change.
Grade Level: 5
Subject Area: Social Studies (History • Civics • Inquiry/Skills)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students zoom in on the Articles of Confederation as the nation’s “first try” at a central government. Through short texts, diagrams, and simple case studies (Shays’ Rebellion, trade problems, money issues), they identify what the Articles did well (ending the war, land policies) and where it struggled (no power to tax, weak central authority). Students then connect these problems to calls for the Constitutional Convention.
Essential Questions
- How did the Articles of Confederation organize the new United States government?
- In what ways did the Articles show the colonists’ fear of powerful governments?
- Why did many leaders think the Articles were too weak, and how did that lead to writing the Constitution?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Describe the basic structure and key features of the Articles of Confederation (weak central government, strong states).
- Identify at least two strengths and two weaknesses of the Articles using simple case examples.
- Explain how problems under the Articles (taxation, trade, order) led some Americans to want a new form of government.
- Use a T-chart or brief to compare the Articles to the later Constitution at an introductory level.
- Write a short, evidence-based explanation answering: “Why did the Articles of Confederation need to change?”
Standards Alignment — 5th Grade (C3-based custom)
- 5.C3.Hist.4: Explain big ideas and turning points (colonial self-government, Revolution, Articles vs. Constitution, Bill of Rights); connect weaknesses of the Articles to later solutions.
- 5.C3.Civ.2: Describe the Constitution’s structure (branches, checks and balances, federalism) and purposes; compare how the Articles and Constitution organize power.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can describe how the Articles of Confederation set up a weak national government and strong states.
- I can give examples of strengths and weaknesses of the Articles using specific evidence.
- I can explain why problems under the Articles led leaders to meet in Philadelphia and write the Constitution.