Who Are We the People?
Written in 1787, the Constitution has only been amended 27 times in more than 230 years. That’s not to say the document the Framers created was perfect. Its most glaring errors include the omission of recognition for all citizens and a failure to halt slavery. In this lesson, students will examine how the definition of “We the People” has evolved since the beginning of this grand experiment in democracy.
Texts and Materials
Complete Lesson Plan
Day 1: Powerful Messages (slide deck)
Day 1: We the People Mind Map
Day 1: Denied Representation Resource Bank
Day 1: Constitutionally Denied
Day 2: Impact of Evolving Rights (graphic organizer)
Day 2: Evolving Voting Rights Timeline
Day 2: Recognizing We the People (template)
Day 2: We the People Inquiry Assessment Rubric
Day 2: Inquiry Reflection Tool
