Constitution Unit Project - The Amendments
Part I - The Amendments In Your Own Words
As the title suggests, your first task will be to research the 11th-27th Amendments and complete the Part I graphic organizer, putting them into your own words. I want to know that you understand what they mean and how they change the way things work.
amendments_summary.pdf | |
File Size: | 281 kb |
File Type: |
In addition to the online textbook, here are some links to help you in your research:
Part II - Why Was The Change Made?
Here is where you do some digging into history. Constitutional amendments, as you will have learned in class, are notoriously difficult to pass. As such, they are generally only successful when there is a very good reason to pass them. What were those reasons? Complete the Part II graphic organizer as you find out, with a simple summary in your own words.
amendments_history.pdf | |
File Size: | 109 kb |
File Type: |
The links above in Part I, as you may have seen, should be helpful in completing Part II as well.
Part III - Putting It All Together
The "Capstone" component of this project, you will determine how best to convey what you have learned (in addition to the graphic organizers) drawing on your unique strengths and talents. Some suggestions are provided below, or you may pursue a different idea once you get the OK from Mr. Peyton.
- Write a research paper, following a standard style guide (MLA or APA), and drawing on an extended number of outside sources. This is the old standby, but certainly works as an option. If you choose this route, make sure you develop a thesis statement (make an argument) about how or why the Constitution has been changed - i.e. for the better/worse/both? Papers should be at least 4 pages in length (no more than 10, not counting works cited and other "extra" pages), 11 or 12 point font, double-spaced, with 1 inch margins, and must cite at least four different sources.
- Build a website. This website is hosted on www.weebly.com - a FREE and VERY EASY to use web host. All of the editing is done right in your internet browser, and progress is saved online. As you will be receiving some class time to work on your projects, Mr. Peyton will be available and happy to help you learn this process.
- Design an informational poster or collage using a combination of text information and images, assembled using your own creative flair. Some materials will be provided and available to use in class.
- Put together a presentation using PowerPoint or Prezi - a free online presentation maker, but takes some time to learn and do well. If you are considering this option, I would suggest visiting http://prezi.com/ and getting to know how to use it ahead of time.
- Feeling more creative? You could try writing a story or a song, painting, sculpting, or drawing a graphic novel. Note that options such as these will probably require additional time outside of class. Additionally, if it is more abstract, I will require a written description explaining what is going on, and how it connects to what you are supposed to be learning.
Rubric - How You Will Be Graded
Ohio's New Learning Standards: American Government
Topic: Basic Principles of the U.S. Constitution
"Principles related to representative democracy are reflected in the articles and amendments of the U.S. Constitution and provide structure for the government of the United States."
Topic: Basic Principles of the U.S. Constitution
"Principles related to representative democracy are reflected in the articles and amendments of the U.S. Constitution and provide structure for the government of the United States."
- 7. Constitutional government in the United States has changed over time as a result of amendments to the U.S. Constitution, Supreme Court decisions, legislation and informal practices.
- 8. The Bill of Rights was drafted in response to the national debate over the ratification of the Constitution of the United States.
- 9. The Reconstruction Era prompted Amendments 13 through 15 to address the aftermath of slavery and the Civil War.
- 10. Amendments 16 through 19 responded to calls for reform during the Progressive Era.
- 11. Four amendments have provided for extensions of suffrage to disenfranchised groups.
- 12. Five amendments have altered provisions for presidential election, terms, and succession to address changing historical circumstances.
- 13. Amendments11, 21 and 27have addressed unique historical circumstances.