Oklahoma Social Studies 8.C.3

Standard Cluster

Examine the formation of the United States of America’s system of government following the Revolutionary War and the creation of the Constitution of the United States of America. Examine conditions in the new nation that led to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. Identify strengths of the United States of America’s government operating under the Articles of Confederation, including a solution to territorial disputes, as resolved by the Northwest Ordinance and the organization necessary to win the war. Identify the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, including the lack of a common national currency, means for common defense, national judiciary to settle disputes among the states, inability to tax as a means to address the war debt, and the required unanimous vote by states to amend the document. Describe how severe economic conditions and civil unrest, typified by Shays’ Rebellion, contributed to a call for revision of the Articles of Confederation. Analyze the significance of the Constitutional Convention on the formation of a new organization for national government. Identify the relationship between the principles established in the Declaration of Independence and the government created by the Constitution of the United States of America. Describe the role of leaders at the Constitutional Convention, including its President George Washington, the influence of James Madison, and the contributions of Roger Sherman. Explain how the key debate regarding state representation in Congress, presented by opposing Virginia and New Jersey Plans, was resolved by the Great Compromise, creating a bicameral legislature. Explain how the Three-Fifths Compromise over congressional representation and the Fugitive Slave Clause avoided the slavery issue and maintained the institution in both northern and southern states by permitting each state to maintain, restrict, or abolish slavery and delaying a ban on the slave trade. Examine the rationales for the creation and functioning of the Electoral College. Examine the process to ratify the Constitution of the United States of America. Identify major reasons advocating for the adoption of the Constitution of the United States of America as expressed by leading Federalists James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay. Explain criticism posed by Anti Federalists, such as George Mason, regarding concerns over the potential abuse of power by a strong central government and the omission of a national bill of rights. Compare major arguments regarding ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America as found in Federalist Papers #1, #10, #51, and #84 to Anti Federalist publications under the pen names of Cato and Brutus.

Oklahoma Academic Standards for Social Studies (2026)