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 * Civics and Economics: Essential Standard 2 The United States Constitution**
 * Essential Standard 2: Analyze government systems within the United States in terms of their structure, function and relationship.**
 * Analyze the structures of national, state and local governments in terms of ways they are organized to maintain order, security and welfare.**

In this lesson we will explore the United States Constitution, including the Bill of Rights as well as the remaining amendments. The Constitution has three main parts: the Preamble, Seven articles, and twenty­ seven (27) Amendments.
 * Web Quest­ Rules for running a Government**
 * Introduction**

The Revolutionary War left the states weakened, on the verge of economic disaster. The Articles of Federation, ratified in1781, was the first plan of government, but it was not very effective. A strong central government was needed if the new nation was to survive.


 * Become familiar with the information you find on these pages:**


 * 1**. Read the Overview for Chapter 3 in your Online Textbook ­ CiviCitizenship cs Today; Economics, and You.




 * 2**. Read about the Constitution at this link




 * 3**. Know The Bill of Rights http://billofrightsinstitute.org/founding­documents/bill­of­rights/

For an individual grade, each student will complete, and turn in the 4 Graphic Organizers for section each section.

<http://glencoe.mheducation.com/sites/0078803098/student_view0/unit1/chapter3/interactive_graphic_organizers.html


 * Section 1: Before the Constitution**


 * Section 2: Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan**


 * Section 3: Three Branches of Government**

using the Legislative, executive and judicial branches. Identify the individuals who head up each branch**
 * Section 4: Constitution~**
 * Section 5: Create a graphic organizer, then compare the US Constitution to the North Carolina Constitution

Staple the 4 organizers together, write your name, and turn in for a grade.

1. Each Group will be given an area to research. 2. Two students in the group will develop a presentation to share with the class. 3. The third will create a brochure, Newsletter, or handouts for the class. Ask you teacher for you group’s assignment.
 * The teacher will separate you into groups of three for this part.**


 * For Fun: Here are some links that will help you remember the important information:**


 * A. Barney Fife and the Preamble to the Constitution**


 * B. Constitution of 1787 for Dummies**


 * C. Fourth Period Only:** Do these individually or with a partner:

Your projects will be graded by the following criteria:


 * Relevance ­25 points**. Information you provide must be relevant to assignment.


 * Evidence­ 25pts**. The research and hard work you did must be evident


 * Individual Input­ 25 points**. Each student will be graded on his contribution to the assignment. I will be watching for students


 * Clarity ­25 points.** Information must be fully supported and easy to understand


 * Once we have completed this quest, you should be able to answer these questions:**

1. Why did the colonists feel it was necessary to replace the Articles of the Confederation?

2. What four important documents preceded the Constitution? Why are they important?

3. What are the three Major Branches (powers) of our government?

4. What is the purpose of each branch and who are the people responsible for each?

5. What does the Preamble say and what does it mean?

6. What is important to remember about the Virginia plan and the New Jersey Plan?

7. The 7 Articles in the Constitution were written to establish the federal government. List the Articles and the major topic of each.

9. Be able to list the three parts of the Constitution and tell what each mean.

10. What are the Principles of the Constitution? What are the six goals mentioned in the Preamble?

12. Know the different Interpretations of the Constitution: The Federalist View and the Anti federalist view or interpretation

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