4.7 – Think and Apply Activity 2
Before beginning this activity, review this brief summary of the reading text for Module 4: U.S. Constitution.
After gaining independence from Britain in the late 1700s, the United States created a weak national government that didn’t have a president and the power to collect taxes. Seeing the need for a stronger central government, leaders met in 1787 in Philadelphia to draft the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution, approved by 9 of 13 states and put into use by 1789, created a balance of power between the federal and state governments. George Washington became the first president. The Constitution includes the preamble, articles, and amendments. Known as a “living document,” it has been amended 27 times and continues to guide the nation.
What do these amendments have in common?
As you now know, there is more to the U.S. Constitution than just the preamble. The Constitution has 27 additions called amendments. Many of them relate to each other and have something in common. For example, many amendments in the Constitution have to do with voting.
Below are three groups of amendments from the U.S. Constitution – you can also look at the Amendment Comparison Activity handout. Each group of amendments has something in common. Review the amendments for EACH of the three groups and first determine what word the amendments have in common. Then, determine what that group of amendments is about.
BONUS MATERIALS FROM OUR TEACHER COMMUNITY!
Created by Azul Kmiecik – Literacy Minnesota
Dig Deeper!
- Why is it important that the Constitution can be changed?
- What would happen if the Constitution could not be changed?
- Do you think the actions of regular people can lead to more amendments in the Constitution? How? Be prepared to discuss.
