Exploros | The Constitutional Convention of 1836

The Constitutional Convention of 1836

Students learn about the accomplishments of the Constitutional Convention of 1836 and they describe the grievances that led to it. Then they examine the structure of the Texas Declaration of Independence and translate a section of the document into their own words.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

Engage

Overview

In this experience, students learn about the accomplishments of the Constitutional Convention of 1836 and they describe the grievances that led to it. Then they examine the structure of the Texas Declaration of Independence and translate a section of the document into their own words.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 2 to scene 4.

Objectives:

Explain the grievances that the Texans had with the Mexican government.
Identify George Childress as the author of the Texas Declaration of Independence and know that he modeled the document after the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Analyze the Texas Declaration of Independence.

On March 1, 1836, 59 delegates from around Texas met in Washington-on-the-Brazos for the Convention of 1836. A day later, they announced Texas independence from Mexico.

Objectives:

Explain the grievances that the Texans had with the Mexican government.
Identify George Childress as the author of the Texas Declaration of Independence and know that he modeled the document after the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
Analyze the Texas Declaration of Independence.

men, some on horseback, around a large wooden building

Independence Hall, Washington-on-the-Brazos, Texas

The delegates wrote the Texas Declaration of Independence overnight. It included a list of complaints, called grievances, against the Mexican government.

Based on what you have learned so far, name a grievance that might appear in the Texas Declaration of Independence. If someone has already shared your answer, try to think of a different one.

Discuss the students’ answers. Ideas may include:

Lack of freedom of religion
Immigration restrictions
Forced to house military troops

Divide students into their small groups for the next two scenes. When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.