Forming a New Nation

Congratulations, the year is 1783 and you and your comrades have just gained independence from Great Britain. Now what? You have no government, no unifying economic system; in fact you don’t even have a name for the new land you possess. Being the natural-born leaders that you are, the inhabitants of the land call upon you to unite them! This is no easy task, for there is a lot of structure needed and the people have placed certain demands on you. Here is what they want from you:

Name of Country and a Capital City:

1. Create a name for your country

2. Draw a map of the thirteen colonies on the paper provided, name and label your capital on the map.

Symbols of Nationalism:

3. Draw a flag that symbolizes your nation’s values.

4. Create a national motto that will help unite all peoples of your country.

Government: The people want a REPUBLIC to be established so your form of government is decided. (Make sure your group understands what a republic is.)

5. Write a Constitution that explains the structure of your government and how it will function. Determine who will be able to vote in your republic. (This should be more than just a Bill of Rights. How does your government work? How long are officials in office? Who makes the big decisions?) This should be at least a paragraph long. After all, it is your Constitution.

6. Create five specific laws that do not violate your constitution.

Economy: (You may choose whatever type you think will work best.)

7. Determine your type of economic system. Some options to consider: barter economy (trade goods and services using a barter system), market based economy (businesses and individuals control), or command economy (government controls).

8. Write a paragraph explaining what resources your country possesses to base your economy on and draw symbols of those resources on your paper.

9. Draw a picture of your currency and explain its monetary value.

Foreign Affairs: Be logical!! It is 1783.

10. Identify what countries or nations you will be allies with. Briefly explain why.

11. List what percent of the national budget will be set aside for defense spending. Explain why you chose that percent.

12. Determine what your military will be and how many people you need in it. How will you maintain this number?

GOOD LUCK!!

All parts not drawn should be very neatly written on a separate sheet of paper. Final product should be well organized and clearly labeled. Be prepared to present the major highlights of your country to the class. Also write your name on any part where you made a major contribution to the finished product. You will also be graded on creativity and effort.

WORTH UP TO 25 POINTS

Rubric for Forming a New Nation

Group member names

Country:

Does country have a name, capital city, flag and motto? /5 pts.

Government:

Does Constitution explain government structure and who will vote? Are there

five laws for the nation? /5 pts.

Economy:

Is the economic system clearly explained? Is currency illustrated? /5 pts.

Foreign Affairs:

Are the foreign policies clearly explained indicating allies, military spending

and weapons? /5 pts.

Organization:

Does assignment/presentation reflect effort, creativity and teamwork? /5 pts.

TOTAL POINTS /25 pts.