Students learn the process for changing, or amending, the Constitution. Then they explore Amendments 11 through 17. They describe some amendments related to the election process, explain what the prohibition amendments tell us about the process for changing amendments, and develop a timeline of amendments granting or expanding individual rights. Finally, they explain which amendments since the Bill of Rights they think have had the greatest impact on life in the United States.
Students are introduced to the lesson purpose and objectives and review key vocabulary related to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They see an image of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, read brief background text about the Bill of Rights as the first ten amendments, and answer a poll predicting how many amendments the Constitution has in total. Students then respond to a collaborative prompt explaining why it might be important to be able to amend the Constitution over time.
Teacher MovesPresent the lesson overview and objectives, clarifying the terms “amend” and “Bill of Rights.” Use student poll results and wall responses to surface ideas about why a constitution might need to change, highlighting themes such as social change, correcting mistakes, and expanding protections. Emphasize the tension between stability and flexibility in the Constitution and connect student ideas to familiar examples like amendments expanding voting rights or ending slavery, setting up the transition to learning how the amendment process works.
Students read the text of Article V of the Constitution and focus on the bolded portions that describe the amendment process. They first write an explanation of the two ways an amendment can be proposed and how it is ratified. After viewing a diagram that summarizes the amendment process, they may revise their explanations. Finally, they respond to a collaborative prompt explaining why they think the Framers made the amendment process difficult.
Teacher MovesClarify the two proposal methods (by two-thirds of both houses of Congress or by a convention called by two-thirds of the states) and the ratification requirement of approval by three-fourths of the states. Support students in revising their explanations using the diagram. When students consider why the process is difficult, explain that the Framers wanted changes to require broad debate and support so the Constitution would not be altered too easily or lose its authority.
Students use Later Amendments, Amending the Constitution, and the Interactive Constitution to examine amendments added after the Bill of Rights, focusing on how they changed the Constitution. After reading about how Amendment 12 modified the Electoral College, they complete a graphic organizer describing what Amendments 17 and 22 changed about elections and government terms. Students then look closely at Amendments 18 and 21 and respond to a collaborative prompt explaining how these amendments are related and what this relationship shows about the process for changing amendments.
Teacher MovesGuide students in using the listed resources to interpret the language and impact of later amendments, ensuring they accurately describe how Amendments 17 and 22 altered election procedures and presidential terms. When students analyze Amendments 18 and 21, explain that the 18th Amendment established Prohibition and the 21st Amendment repealed it, emphasizing that changing an amendment requires passing a new amendment that modifies or overturns the original.
Using Later Amendments, students note that most post–1791 amendments grant or protect individual rights and freedoms. They complete a timeline graphic organizer by summarizing the purpose of Amendments 13, 14, 15, 19, 23, 24, and 26, focusing on how each expanded civil or voting rights. Students then respond to a collaborative prompt about the purpose of the 24th Amendment and how it relates to individual freedoms.
Teacher MovesSupport students as they complete the amendment timeline, checking that their descriptions accurately reflect how each amendment expanded rights, especially regarding slavery, citizenship, and voting. When discussing the 24th Amendment, explain that poll taxes discriminated against low-income voters and that the amendment ended this practice, protecting individuals’ ability to vote regardless of income.
Students respond to a collaborative prompt identifying which amendments they believe have had the most important impact on life in the United States and explain their reasoning, drawing on what they have learned about changes to rights, citizenship, and voting.
Teacher MovesInvite students to justify their choices with specific evidence from the amendments they have studied, noting that many will likely highlight amendments abolishing slavery, granting civil rights, and expanding suffrage. Use their responses to reinforce how these amendments broadened civil and voting rights and made government more representative of the population.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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