ERIC Number: ED314289
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1987-Jan
Pages: 80
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Constitution: Little Short of Miracle. A One Act Drama. High School Version, for Presentation at the High School and Middle School Level.
Blume, George T.
This 30 to 40 minute drama for secondary school students takes place in the Pennsylvania State House, Philadelphia, on September 17, 1787, the day the Constitutional Convention ended. James Madison serves as the drama's spokesman. The drama focuses on five major points: (1) the Colonial Confederation's situation at that time, which necessitated calling for such a convention; (2) three separate constitutional plans that were presented; (3) the importance to the overall continuation of the convention of the Connecticut Compromise; (4) the refusal to sign the Constitution of three important delegates, and their reasons; and (5) the actual signing of the document and adjournment. The wording throughout the drama uses as much of the original recorded text as possible; however, changes were made in order to make it more understandable for school audiences. The number of characters and staging is left to the discretion of those in charge of the drama's production. While there are 16 speaking parts, this number could be expanded if desired. All staging takes place in one room. To assist those selected to act out the part of a designated convention delegate, a short sketch of the 16 delegates who have speaking parts is included. (JB)
Descriptors: Acting, Class Activities, Constitutional History, Curriculum Enrichment, Dramatic Play, Enrichment Activities, Learning Activities, Middle Schools, Scripts, Secondary Education, Secondary School Curriculum, United States History
American Legion, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206 (free).
Publication Type: Creative Works; Historical Materials
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Practitioners; Students; Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: American Legion, Indianapolis, IN.
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: United States Constitution
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A