Learning Standards and Practices
7.5 THE CONSTITUTION IN PRACTICE: The United States Constitution serves as the foundation of the United States government and outlines the rights of citizens. The Constitution is considered a living document that can respond to political and social changes. The New York State Constitution also has been changed over time. (Standards: 1, 5; Themes: TCC, GOV, CIV)
7.5c While the Constitution provides a formal process for change through amendments, the Constitution can respond to change in other ways. The New York State Constitution changed over time, with changes in the early 19th century that made it more democratic.
Ø Students will examine the changes to the New York State Constitution and how they were made during the 19th century.
A. Gathering, Interpreting and Using Evidence
5. Make inferences and draw general conclusions from evidence.
F. Civic Participation
7. Identify how people in power have acted to extend the concept of freedom, the practice of social justice, and the protection of human rights in United States history.
7.5 THE CONSTITUTION IN PRACTICE: The United States Constitution serves as the foundation of the United States government and outlines the rights of citizens. The Constitution is considered a living document that can respond to political and social changes. The New York State Constitution also has been changed over time. (Standards: 1, 5; Themes: TCC, GOV, CIV)
7.5c While the Constitution provides a formal process for change through amendments, the Constitution can respond to change in other ways. The New York State Constitution changed over time, with changes in the early 19th century that made it more democratic.
Ø Students will examine the changes to the New York State Constitution and how they were made during the 19th century.
A. Gathering, Interpreting and Using Evidence
5. Make inferences and draw general conclusions from evidence.
F. Civic Participation
7. Identify how people in power have acted to extend the concept of freedom, the practice of social justice, and the protection of human rights in United States history.
Setting the Stage
Discuss the 2017 debate over voting for a constitutional convention. Have students read the New York Times article from July 5, 2017 to understand the debate and the basis for the convention.
New York Times Article: A Constitutional Convention for New York? This May Be the Year
Discuss the 2017 debate over voting for a constitutional convention. Have students read the New York Times article from July 5, 2017 to understand the debate and the basis for the convention.
New York Times Article: A Constitutional Convention for New York? This May Be the Year
Supporting Question 1: How are changes made to the New York State Constitution?
Formative Assessment: Summarize the process for amending the NYS Constitution.
Formative Assessment: Summarize the process for amending the NYS Constitution.
Supporting Question 2: What changes have been made to the NYS Constitution in the past and how did those changes make New York State more democratic?
Formative Assessment: List the changes/amendments made to the New York State Constitution and for each change explain how it made the state more democratic.
Formative Assessment: List the changes/amendments made to the New York State Constitution and for each change explain how it made the state more democratic.
Supporting Question 3: How do suggested changes to the NYS Constitution reflect the current political, economic, and social issues in society?
Formative Assessment: Summarize the issues present in the proposed New York State Constitution from 1868 and explain how those issues relate to the broader issues of that time period.
Formative Assessment: Summarize the issues present in the proposed New York State Constitution from 1868 and explain how those issues relate to the broader issues of that time period.
Argument: Using evidence from the documents, determine if the current New York State Constitution allows for a more democratic and just society in the modern era.
Extension: Find local articles written about the debate over the benefits and costs of holding a Constitutional Convention in New York State. Summarize the two sides.
Taking Informed Action: Write an online article about the process of changing the New York State Constitution. Argue for or against holding a Constitutional Convention and defend your position using evidence from your research.
Extension: Find local articles written about the debate over the benefits and costs of holding a Constitutional Convention in New York State. Summarize the two sides.
Taking Informed Action: Write an online article about the process of changing the New York State Constitution. Argue for or against holding a Constitutional Convention and defend your position using evidence from your research.
