Constitutional Convention Discussion Prompts and Pause Points

Read the movie description that appears below the movie player on the Constitutional Convention Topic Page. Then use the following prompts to encourage class discussion before, during, and after watching the movie.

Before the Movie

What do you know about the Constitution?

What do you think the Bill of Rights are?

During the Movie (Pause Points)

Stop at the following times in the movie and ask questions or prompt a discussion to keep students focused and to assess their understanding before moving on:

Timecode 1:44: Why would the newly formed states be wary of yielding power to a federal government?

Timecode 2:46: What were some growing pains caused by a weak central government in the 1780s?

Timecode 4:38: How did the Virginia Plan’s proportional representation result in the people  having decision-making power instead of states?

Timecode 5:43: The Great Compromise uses which part of the Virginia Plan and which part of the New Jersey Plan?

Timecode 6:54: Why would the Constitution’s framers—from both North and South—agree to wait another 20 years before making new laws about slavery?

After the Movie

In what ways did the compromises made at the Constitutional Convention both help and hurt the young nation?

*BrainPOP’s Discussion Questions and Prompts align to CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards.