Constitutional Convention: Social Class and Gender Role Play Debate

Click HERE for Group Information

REMINDERS:

1. This is taking place in Philadelphia, in 1787
2. After Shays' Rebellion and a call to replace the Articles of Confederation with a stronger federal government
3. It is the Constitutional Convention (No Constitution yet, no Bill of Rights yet)
4. ALL OF YOU ARE WEALTHY WHITE MEN FROM THE 13 STATES!
5. YOU MUST STAY IN CHARACTER AND ARGUED FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF THE ROLE THAT YOU WERE GIVEN!
6. DO NOT MENTION HISTORICAL EVENTS AFTER 1787 (LAST YEAR SOMEONE QUOTED MLK'S I HAVE A DREAM SPEECH)

DEBATE 1: Refer to the words of James Madison!

Group 1: Only wealthy white men "like ourselves" SHOULD BE allowed to vote. 

Group 2: Although here in Philadelphia today, "we are all wealthy white men", we should allow ALL white males over the age of 21 (poor and middle class included) to vote

DEBATE 2: You can refer to the discussion between John and Abigail Adams:

Group 3: Only [wealthy] white men "like ourselves" should be allowed to vote: [Wealthy] white women SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO VOTE!

Group 4: Although here in Philadelphia today, "we are all wealthy white men", we should honor Abigail Adams' request and extend the right to vote to [wealth] white women over the age of 21.