350 Years of Connecticut History and Government: A Search for the Common Good

Connecticut enjoys a rich history in cultural diversity, economic prosperity, and political enlightenment. Established in 1639, the Fundamental Orders was one of the earliest written constitutions in history. Thus Connecticut was the first colony in America to move towards self government by elected representatives under a Constitution - a major step in constitutional history.

Connecticut has a proud democratic tradition that should be shared with our young citizens. These volumes contain a curriculum of Connecticut history which evaluates authority, explores the common good, defines liberty and justice, and inspires active citizenship. These are all essential prerequisites to the continuation of our basic American ideals and values.

350 Years of Connecticut History and Government contains five sections, one for each of Connecticut's four constitutions, and an introductory section. Four themes, which are sequential and interrelated, are developed throughout the units. These themes are authority, representative government, common good, and constitutionalism.

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Download Part I PDF (467K) - 141 pages

*350 Years of Connecticut History and Government is presently being revised and expanded. The revised edition will include the following:

Part I	Governance: Connecticut's Four Constitutions
	1614-1776: From English Colony to Independent State 1776-1865: From Agrarian Society to an Industrial Order 1865-Present: The Evolution of Modern Connecticut
Part II	Major Changes/New Directions
Part III	Issues Bridging the Centuries
Part IV	Legislative Visitation Program Materials
Part V	Legislative Office Building Mural
Part VI	Student Activities

The original 350 Years of Connecticut Government: A search for the Common Good Teacher's Guide is now available on-line. Each section contains background readings, lesson plans and activities. Because of its size, 250 pages, the guide has been broken into eleven pieces.

1 - Introduction

2 - Introductory Activities, part 1

3 - Introductory Activities, part 2

4 - The Fundamental Orders

5 - The Charter of 1662

6 - The Constitution of 1818, part 1

7 - The Constitution of 1818, part 2

8 - The Constitution of 1965, part 1

9 - The Constitution of 1965, part 2

10 - Appendices, part 1

11 - Appendices, part 2