Replace or Remain

This extended writing worksheet supports students in Grades 5 and 6 as they develop argumentative writing, historical reasoning, civic understanding, and evidence-based explanation through a perspective-taking task set in 1786. Students imagine themselves living under the Articles of Confederation and write a 4-6 sentence response explaining whether they would support replacing the Articles, using two historically grounded reasons to defend their position.

Learning Goals

• Argumentative Writing (Grades 5-6) – Students clearly state a position and support it with logical, organized reasoning.
• Understanding Early Government Systems – Learners apply knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
• Civic Evaluation – The activity emphasizes analysis of taxation, national unity, and limits on federal power.
• Supporting Claims with Evidence – Students practice backing opinions with accurate historical details.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper-elementary ELA, social studies, and civics standards.
• Perspective-Based Learning – Writing from a historical viewpoint deepens engagement and understanding.
• Promotes Reasoned Debate – Encourages students to defend ideas thoughtfully rather than list facts.
• Flexible Use – Suitable for assessments, writing workshops, discussion follow-ups, or enrichment.
• Low-Prep Printable – Ready for classroom or homeschool use.

This Replace or Remain worksheet helps students think critically about early American government by forming and defending an argument rooted in historical context. By evaluating real challenges faced under the Articles of Confederation, learners strengthen persuasive writing skills while deepening their understanding of why the nation debated major governmental change.

This worksheet is part of our Articles of Confederation Worksheets collection.