Students learn about the Constitution adopted at the Constitutional Convention of 1836. First, they compare the Republic of Texas Constitution with the U.S. Constitution. Then they examine the responsibilities of the different political branches of the government as defined by the Constitution. Finally, they rewrite the preamble in their own words and analyze a right in the Declaration of Rights.
Students read background information about the Texas Revolution and the need for a new government and constitution in 1836. They examine several historical flags of the Republic of Texas, vote in a poll on which flag they think best represents Texas, and then design a flag to represent their social studies class, using colors and symbols to convey meaning.
Teacher MovesIntroduce the lesson overview and objectives, connecting the Texas Revolution to the creation of the Republic’s constitution and government. Set a time limit for the flag-design activity and invite a few volunteers to share and explain their class flag designs to highlight how symbols can represent values and identity.
Students read about how the Constitution of the Republic of Texas was modeled on the U.S. Constitution, including its provisions for civil, religious, and political freedoms, its bicameral legislature, and its stance on slavery, using Constitution of the Republic of Texas Summary and related text as a guide. As they read, they complete a graphic organizer noting four important facts or features of the Constitution. Then they post to a class wall explaining ways the Texas Constitution of 1836 resembled the U.S. Constitution, and use an online dictionary to define the term “bicameral” in their own words.
Teacher MovesClarify key similarities between the Texas and U.S. Constitutions, such as the preamble, three branches, checks and balances, a declaration of rights, a bicameral legislature, and a chief executive. Review student posts on the resemblance wall to reinforce accurate comparisons and address misconceptions. Provide or confirm a clear definition of “bicameral” as having two legislative chambers, and ensure students use the term correctly.
Students read an explanation of how the 1836 Constitution established legislative, executive, and judicial branches for the Republic of Texas, then skim Constitution of the Republic of Texas 1836 to identify specific responsibilities of each branch. They complete a three-column chart listing at least three functions or responsibilities for each branch. Next, they learn that the Constitution created a system of checks and balances, optionally consulting the resource Checks and Balances for clarification, and read an excerpt from Article 1, Section 26 about presidential approval and legislative override of laws. Finally, they post to a class wall explaining how this article demonstrates the concept of checks and balances.
Teacher MovesHave three volunteers present their charts, one for each branch, and use their responses to summarize the main functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches as described in the Constitution. Highlight how specific powers—such as taxing, declaring war, making treaties, and exercising appellate jurisdiction—fit into each branch. Guide students in connecting the Article 1, Section 26 excerpt to the idea of checks and balances, and share an exemplary student explanation to deepen class understanding of how the branches limit and balance one another.
Students are introduced to the preamble of the Constitution of the Republic of Texas and read its full text. They then rewrite the preamble in their own words on a class wall, focusing on the purposes of government and the goals of the new Republic. Next, they read the Declaration of Rights, using the resource Declaration of Rights, choose one right, explain what it means, and discuss why it was important for the framers to include that right in the Constitution.
Teacher MovesReview student paraphrases of the preamble, sharing a strong example that clearly captures ideas such as forming a government, establishing justice, ensuring peace, providing defense, promoting general welfare, and securing liberty. Prompt students to connect the rights they select from the Declaration of Rights to the historical context and values of the Republic’s founders, and highlight thoughtful or insightful explanations in a brief class discussion.
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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