Students will describe what is known through archaeological studies of the early physical and cultural development of humankind from the Paleolithic era to the agricultural revolution.
Personal Background
You were born in 1738 to a middle-class family in Massachusetts. You received little
formal education and worked as an apprentice to a merchant before starting your own
business. During the Revolution, British troops destroyed much of your property, but
you regained your wealth by raiding shipping as a privateer. You have served in the state
legislature, the Continental Congress, and the Governor’s Council. You are now a judge.
At the Constitutional Convention, you attend every session. You are easygoing and
friendly, and often speak out in debates.
Views on Issues at the Constitutional Convention
Issue 1: You believe that states should be represented in the national legislature based
on their population. You think that the legislature should have two houses.
Issue 2: You believe that three fifths of the slave population should be counted for
determining both a state’s representation in the national legislature and its taxes.
Issue 3: You believe that the executive should be selected by the national legislature.
Personal Background
You were born in Pennsylvania in 1735 to a large family. Your father was a tailor. A
man of many talents, you studied to become a minister, but then taught mathematics,
and studied medicine in Europe. Returning to Philadelphia, you practiced medicine and
pursued other scientific interests. On a trip to England, you became close friends with
Benjamin Franklin, a fellow scientist. You wrote a pamphlet encouraging English sup-
port of America’s complaints against Britain. Upon returning to America, you eventually
settled in North Carolina, becoming a prosperous merchant as well as a doctor. During
the Revolutionary War, you were surgeon general of the North Carolina state troops.
After the war, you were elected to the state legislature and the Continental Congress.
A hard worker at the Constitutional Convention, you show keen debating skill.
Views on Issues at the Constitutional Convention
Issue 1: You believe that states should be represented in the national legislature based
on their population and wealth. You think that the legislature should have one house.
Issue 2: You believe that three fifths of the slaves should be counted only for determin-
ing a state’s representation in the national legislature.
Issue 3: You believe that the national executive should be chosen by the state legislatures.