"Teacher" link on National SAR Website
On its national website, the SAR has developed a link specifically for teachers, which contains a host of information, videos, lessons, and other resources available for enhancing their classroom instruction of the Revolutionary War era. It also explains the various student writing and speaking competitions, as well as the history teacher award, offered annually by the SAR. Click Here to view this site.
Short Videos for American History Teachers
Most states have developed and published content and activity standards for each of the courses in their K-12 public schools. American history is typically a required area of study and, in one form or another, some version of American history is typically one of these requirements. In Tennessee, as an example, American history is taught in 8th grade (up to the Revolutionary War), and again in the 11th grade (post-Revolution to the present). Below are the required content and skills standards for these two courses, as they relate to the Revolutionary War and the U.S. Constitution.
You will note that many of the individual historical incidents are underlined and in blue, indicating that we have linked them to short YouTube videos that will give students some background and history in an enjoyable format.
Resources for American History and U.S. Government and Civics Teachers
Tennessee, state law requires that all public school American history teachers in eighth grade and U.S. Government and Civics teachers in eleventh grade cover specific content in their classes and require their students to participate in specific types of related projects and critical thinking activities. With respect to the history of the American Revolution and the creation of our nation as a constitutional republic, the specific Tennessee state requirements are listed below.
Eighth Grade Requirements (in Tennessee):
Revolutionary War
Analyze the social, political, and economic causes of the events and groups of the American Revolution, including:
• Intolerable/Coercive Acts, 1774
Explain the historical purposes and consequences of Thomas Paine's pamphlet, Common Sense.
Locate and explain the significance of the battles of the American Revolution prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, including Lexington and Concord and Bunker (Breed’s) Hill.
Explain the historical and present-day significance of the Declaration of Independence. (T.C.A. § 49-6-1028)
Compare and contrast the points of view of Loyalists and Patriots.
Locate and explain the significance of the following during the American Revolution:
• Struggles of the Continental Army
• Battles of Trenton and Princeton
United States Constitution
Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, and describe the Land Ordinance of 1785, the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, the Northwest Territory, the Lost State of Franklin, and Shays’ Rebellion.
Describe the roles of James Madison and George Washington during the Constitutional Convention, and analyze the major issues debated, including the Great Compromise and the Three-Fifths Compromise. (T.C.A. § 49-6-1028)
Examine the principles and purposes of government articulated in the Preamble and principles stated in the Constitution, including: the separation of powers, federalism, and checks and balances. (T.C.A. § 49-6-1028)
Describe the conflict between Federalists and Anti-Federalists over the ratification of the Constitution, including the protection of individual rights through the Bill of Rights and concern for states’ rights. (T.C.A. § 49-6-1028)
Analyze the major events of the administration of President George Washington, including: the precedents he set, Whiskey Rebellion, and ideas presented in his farewell address.
Explain how conflicts between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton resulted in the emergence of two political parties by analyzing their views on foreign policy, economic policy, a national bank, and strict versus loose interpretation of the Constitution.
Explain the controversies that plagued the administration of President John Adams, including: the conflicts with Great Britain and France, the XYZ Affair, and the Alien and Sedition Acts.
Identify how westward expansion led to the statehood of Tennessee and the importance of the first state constitution (1796). (T.C.A. § 49-6-1028)
Eleventh Grade Requirements (in Tennessee):
Foundations of Constitutional Government
Examine the influences of leading European thinkers (e.g., John Locke, Charles-Louis Montesquieu, Thomas Hobbes) and other roots of American government (e.g., Greek democracy, Roman republic, Magna Carta).
Examine the Declaration of Independence and American grievances against British rule.
Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Discuss the Constitutional Convention of 1787, including the Great Compromise and the ensuing debate over ratification between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
Describe the purposes and functions of government as outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution.
Describe limited government within the Constitution, including: • Checks and balances • Popular sovereignty • Civilian control of the military • Rule of law • Federalism • Separation of powers • Judicial review
Describe the structure of the Constitution and the process to amend it.
Analyze how the Bill of Rights limits the powers of the government and ensures individual rights. (T.C.A. § 49-6-1028)
Define the concepts of democracy and republic, and examine the relationship between the two.
Legislative Branch
Analyze Article I and the 17th Amendment of the Constitution as they relate to the legislative branch, including: eligibility for office, roles, length of terms, and election to office for representatives and senators, respectively.
Describe the census and its role in redistricting and reapportionment, including the role of Baker v. Carr.
Identify leadership positions of the legislative branch, including: • Majority and minority leaders • President pro tempore • Role of the vice president • Speaker of the House
Describe the process of how a bill becomes a law.
Identify the Tennessee representatives and senators to U.S. Congress.
Describe the powers of U.S. Congress, including:
• Appropriations
• Declaration of war
• Commerce • Implied powers
• Confirmations
• Necessary and proper clause
Executive Branch
Analyze Article II of the Constitution as it relates to the executive branch, including: • Appointments • Oath of office • Commander-in-chief of the military • Powers of the president • Eligibility for office • Succession (25th Amendment) • Executive orders • Treaties • Length of term (22nd Amendment)
Identify major departments of the executive branch, including: • Defense • State • Education • Treasury • Justice
Explain the Electoral College system, and compare and contrast arguments for and against it.
Judicial Branch
Analyze Article III of the Constitution as it relates to judicial power, including the length of terms and the jurisdiction of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Explain the processes of selection and confirmation of Supreme Court justices.
Explain the process of judicial review established by Marbury v. Madison.
Describe the Supreme Court’s role in determining the constitutionality of laws and acts of the legislative and executive branches.