1. Examining Early State Constitutions In class we will compare and contrast the following constitutions: Articles of Confederation - 1775 Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776 New York Constitution of 1777 Massachusetts Constitution of 1780

2. Examining Early State Constitutions Explain the Framework of government ITEMS TO LOOK FOR: 1 or 2 house legislature Term of service Single or plural executive, or no exec. Election of Executive Separation of Powers or legislative supremacy Who gets to vote? Checks and Balances - Does the Executive have a veto? Bill of rights (1st or last?), what rights are protected? Any other unique features, e.g. Declarations of Independence

3. Examining Early State Constitutions http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/avalon.ht mhttp://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/avalon.ht m Massachusetts Constitution http://www.nhinet.org/ccs/docs/ma-1780.htm