More Moving ?- Government

Thank you ALL so much for your recommendations!  I am seriously considering now putting my 12th and 9th graders together for a government course.  I found two books, one on the SCM book guide, and I am wondering if anyone has read either one of them.  I am not sure which one I want to use.   The Miracle at Philadelphia and The Summer of 1787:  The Men Who Invented the Constitution.  Has anyone read or used these books??

I am going to use one of those and several other resources: Uncle Eric Books, The Land of Fair Play, reading the Constitution and Articles of Conf. and Declaration and outlining them, and some free online videos.  I just now have to plan it all out.

I am planning on checking out the Life of Fred Language Arts books for the 9th graders just to review stuff they have already learned.

BUT, I now need some writing suggestions for the 9th graders.  I know we will do written narrations, but one of the boys really is concerned about doing essays (all his friends are doing those in school….) Any little prep type of suggestions for this?

Thank you again, for all your help.  I am feeling better about this.  I am also hoping to purchase a few items from SCM to add in if and when we have some exta time.

You are all great!

Pam