Cynthia H. Roberts
Learning Objectives;
1) to explain the system of checks and balances
2) to name liberties protected by the Bill of Rights
MOTIVATING:
Read aloud these words from the Preamble to the Constitution: ‘We the people of the United States in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish . . . this Constitution.‘ Review what was imperfect about the articles of Confederation. Then have students figure out the age of the Constitution. (subtract 1787 from the current date.)
SETTING UP:
I will prepare copies of the 14th Amendment. Distribute copies of the following adaptation of the 14th Amendment.
Have students make a list of the amendments in the Bill of Rights. Under each amendment, have students summarize its most important points. Then direct students to design a poster illustrating some of the liberties protected by these amendments. For a past-to-present link, suggest that students look through magazines or newspapers for pictures that show how these amendments touch our lives today. Students with an interest in photography might take their own pictures. (a photo of a news stand illustrates freedom of press. A photo of a church, synagogue, or mosque shows freedom of religion).