Do Now – Consider the following quote and answer the questions below: “The strength of the Constitution lies entirely in the determination of each citizen to defend it. Only if every single citizen feels duty bound to do his share in this defense are the constitutional rights secure.” ― Albert Einstein In your own words – what does Einstein think is the strength of the Constitution? Do you agree or disagree with Einstein’s viewpoint?
U.S. Constitution Annotation: you MUST annotate the text – I will be looking for the following: Labeling paragraphs – numbers Highlight/underline a main idea in each paragraph Chunk into 5 sections labeled A-E Left side margin notes (summarizing what the author is saying) Right side margin notes (why a word was used, relate topic to your life, draw a picture/diagram, power verbs) Summary response (author’s main idea, cited evidence from text, your conclusion about what text means) Vocabulary Chart – 7 terms from the article (complete chart)
First Read: A. What is the main idea of the article? Listen and follow along with the article being read, and be ready to answer the following questions afterward: A. What is the main idea of the article?
Second Read: Read paragraph 5 on your own and complete the following: B. According to the text, what are two positives and two negatives of the Articles of Confederation?
F. Discussion Questions: The author notes in the article that “The main purpose of the Articles (AofC) was to establish a system by which the states could co-operate if they needed to defend themselves against a foreign enemy.” F1. If this was the “main purpose” of the AofC what was its’ purpose in times of peace?
Third Read: Small States Read paragraphs 8-9 on your own and complete the following: C1. According to the article, what was the struggle between large states and small states? C2. According to the article, what was the compromise that settled the dispute between large states and small states? Large States
F. Discussion Questions: The author notes that “…small (populated) states wanted equal representation with the large (populated) states…” F2. Is equal representation, regardless of population, fair to all states? Large States Vs. Small States
Fourth Read: Read paragraph 13-14 and complete the following: D1. According to the article, what did anti-federalists believe about the national government under the new Constitution? D2. According to the article, what was proposed by John Hancock in response to the opposition by the anti-federalists?
F. Discussion Questions: F3. Why were states more willing to adopt the Constitution with the addition of a Bill of Rights?
Fifth Read: Read paragraph 16-17 on your own and complete the following: E1. According to the article, what is the procedure for approving amendments to the Constitution?
F. Discussion Questions: F4. Why is the US Constitution considered to be a “living” document?
G. Summary Writing: Summarize the article – be sure to discuss the following: Why the Constitution was written? What happened at the constitutional convention? Describe the ratification process. Describe the amendment process. Why the document is considered to be “living”? Summary MUST be at least 2 paragraphs and must address the questions listed above – add notebook paper to your article packet if you need more space. Please be sure you use 3-5 of your vocabulary terms in your summary (make sure they make sense in the context of your sentences).