Students view the first page of the Texas Constitution of 1876 and make observations about it. Then they review the seven principles of the U.S. and Texas Constitutions. Next they examine some of the rights in the Texas Bill of Rights, and they explain the importance of one of those rights. Finally they choose an Article or Amendment and paraphrase it.
Students read background information about how Democrats objected to the Texas Constitution of 1869 and called a new convention that produced the Texas Constitution of 1876. They then look through the provided copy of the Texas Constitution and post one or more observations about its length, structure, and content to a shared class table.
Teacher MovesIntroduce the lesson purpose and objectives, preview key vocabulary, and ensure students can access the Texas Constitution document. Prompt students to closely examine the first page and overall structure, and, after they post observations, highlight important features such as the number of articles, the presence of many amendments, and the detailed wording.
Students read an explanation of the seven principles that underlie both the U.S. and Texas Constitutions: popular sovereignty, republicanism, federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, limited government, and individual rights. They then complete a drag-and-drop activity in which they match each principle to its definition to review and solidify their understanding.
Teacher MovesGuide students through the seven principles, clarifying terms and providing simple examples as needed. Monitor the drag-and-drop activity results, identify which principles students find challenging, and reteach or provide additional examples for those principles before moving on.
Students read an introduction to Article 1 of the Texas Constitution and a list of ten selected rights from the Texas Bill of Rights. They choose one right, explain in their own words what it means, and describe why they think it is important, drawing on prior learning about the U.S. Bill of Rights. Then they read classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with a question or a positive comment.
Teacher MovesEnsure students understand that Article 1 is the Texas Bill of Rights and briefly review the listed rights. Read student explanations, ask follow-up questions about the significance of different rights, and, if time permits, facilitate a whole-class discussion about which rights might be most important and why.
Students return to the Texas Constitution and select an Article or Section that interests them. They write a brief summary of what it says, paraphrasing the original language to show their understanding.
Teacher MovesSupport students in navigating the document and interpreting challenging language, suggesting accessible sections such as Article VII on education or modeling how to work through a section together. Provide guidance on how to paraphrase complex legal text into clear, grade-appropriate language.
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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