Ezekiel Schloss, 1654-Nieuw Amsterdam, First Jewish Community Finds Haven in North America. 1954. American Jewish Tercentenary Celebration Collection, I – 11: Series IV, Box 7, Folder 5, American Jewish Historical Society, Boston and New York.
Overview
In this lesson, students explore the uneven road toward religious liberty and equal participation in civic life in the late colonial period and first decades of United States history. By exploring state constitutions from 1776 alongside powerful primary sources, students investigate how Jewish Americans worked for the right to participate fully in civic life. This story highlights how individuals helped turn the promise of liberty into a reality by shaping a more representative democracy.
- Grade Levels: 6-12
- Relevant Courses: Civics, Government, or US History
- Approximate Duration: 90 Minutes
Essential Question
- How did the Jewish community work to expand religious liberty and civic participation in early United States history?
Supporting Questions
- How is religious liberty different from religious tolerance?
- How did early state constitutions create barriers to civic participation?
- What is the connection between religious liberty and representative democracy?
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Examine the shift in the newly declared United States from religious tolerance to religious liberty.
- Identify religious requirements to hold public office in early state constitutions.
- Analyze the connection between religious liberty and representative democracy.
- Examine the role the Jewish American community played during the first century of the United States in shaping policies related to religious liberty.
Social Studies Standards
This lesson supports the following standards:
- C3 Framework: Civics 6-8, Civics 9-12, History 6-8, History 9-12 (See Appendix B in the Lesson for more detail)
- State Standards: While each state’s standards differ, the content of this lesson can support standards on the topics of early US history, religious liberty in early Americas, civic participation, US foundational documents, and principles of US government.
Student Handouts:
Primary Sources – State Constitutions:
- Source 1: Pennsylvania 1776 State Constitution
- Source 2: Maryland 1776 State Constitution
- Source 3: North Carolina 1776 State Constitution
State Constitutions Analysis Tools:
- Pennsylvania 1776 State Constitution Graphic Organizer
- Sources 1–3: 1776 State Constitutions Jigsaw Graphic Organizer
Primary Sources – Case Studies:
- Source A: Jonas Phillips to George Washington, 1787
- Source B: Exchange between Moses Seixas and George Washington, 1790
- Source C: Jacob Cohen on the Act for the Relief of Jews in Maryland, 1818
Case Studies Analysis Tools:
Make a google copy of all the above student handouts here.
