Students are introduced to the U.S. Constitution, particularly the Preamble. Then they explore how the Constitution divides up government power into three branches in the United States. Next, students learn about the history of voting rights in the United States and consider the current state of voting rights. Finally, students research and compare the role of U.S. citizens with that of citizens from another country.
Students are introduced to the U.S. Constitution and its Preamble, view an image of the signing of the Constitution, watch Schoolhouse Rock: The Constitution to build background knowledge, and post two new things they learned from the video. As a class, they read the full text of the Preamble and discuss the meaning of key phrases such as “perfect union,” “domestic tranquility,” “common defense,” “general welfare,” and “blessing of liberty.”
Teacher MovesPresent the lesson overview and objectives, then facilitate discussion of students’ video takeaways, prompting them to explain what the Constitution was designed to do. Guide the class through a close reading of the Preamble, supporting students in interpreting and paraphrasing the highlighted phrases before moving on.
Students watch How Is Power Divided in the United States Government? to learn how the Constitution structures the three branches of government. While viewing, they complete a graphic organizer with notes about the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. They then summarize in their own words what each branch does and brainstorm additional ways citizens can participate in government beyond voting, recording their ideas in a shared table.
Teacher MovesSupport students in using the graphic organizer to capture accurate information about each branch. Review and, if time allows, extend learning by having students identify the number of representatives and senators from your state. Prompt students to think broadly about civic participation, and clarify examples such as serving on a jury, testifying in court, and petitioning members of Congress before transitioning to the next scene.
Students watch The Fight for the Right to Vote in the United States to trace the expansion of voting rights over time. They answer multiple-choice questions about voting restrictions and constitutional amendments related to suffrage. Then they respond in writing to the video’s central question about whether enough citizens have the right to vote and whether those who can vote actually do so, supporting their opinions with evidence from the video or additional research. Finally, they read classmates’ posts and reply to at least two with questions or positive comments.
Teacher MovesFrame the video as a historical overview of voting rights and monitor students’ responses to the embedded questions for understanding. Encourage students to use specific evidence when addressing the prompt about access to and use of voting rights. After peer responses are posted, lead a whole-class discussion about current voting challenges and possible solutions in the United States.
Students review examples of civic participation in the United States—such as voting, jury service, testifying in court, and petitioning representatives—then select another country to research. They compare the role of citizens in that country with the role of U.S. citizens, focusing on similarities and differences in participation and responsibilities, and post their findings, clearly identifying the country they studied. Students then read classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with questions or positive comments.
Teacher MovesClarify the various ways U.S. citizens participate in government and set expectations for the comparative research task. Circulate to support students in selecting reliable sources and in making clear comparisons between the two systems. Highlight and share interesting or exemplary comparisons with the class to deepen discussion about different models of citizenship.
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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