Government Module

Unit 3:  Examining Representative Government and Your Rights

Lesson 1:  Understanding the Bill of Rights

Materials Needed:

·    Flip chart paper, board and markers/chalk

• Computers with Internet access

• Websites:
  http://lcweb2.loc.gov/const/bor.html
  http://bensguide.gpo.gov/
  http://www.usconstitution.net/constquick.htm
  http://www.nelrc.org/changeagent/immigration/basicrights.htm

• Handout 1

Word Bank: 

Whole group discussion

Introductory Activity:

• Today we are going to talk about the United States Constitution.  What do I mean by "constitution"?

• Does your country have a constitution?

• Do you know anything about the US Constitution?  What kinds of things does it say?

Activity 1:  Looking at the Constitution

• This country’s early leaders wrote the Constitution. 

• To see the Constitution, go to the following website:  http://bensguide.gpo.gov/6-8/documents/constitution/about.html.

Explain that the students don't need to feel “insulted” because the website says it’s for kids.  The information is presented more clearly than on "adult" sites.

• Look for the answers to the following questions:

• What are the 3 parts of the U.S. Constitution?

• What does each part talk about?

• What are the three main principles of the U.S. Constitution?

Activity 2:  Reviewing the Bill of Rights

• Go to the website: 

http://bensguide.gpo.gov/6-8/citizenship/billofrights.html
Or   http://www.usconstitution.net/constquick.html
Or  http://lcweb2.loc.gov/const/bor.html

• Read the Bill of Rights.  With your partner, use Handout 1 and match the amendment with the situation that relates to it.

Check as whole class and go over any questions.

Optional:  In the textbook By the People, For the People, [Short, A. Seufert-Bosco, M. Grognet, A. (1992). By the People, For the People.  Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Center for Applied Linguistics/ Prentice Hall Regents] there are "translated" versions of the Preamble (pg.13) and the Bill of Rights (pg.22) alongside the original texts.  The translated version converts the content into simpler English, so it is easier for students to use.

Expansion Activity:

Depending on the level and needs of the learners, you could also ask them to locate a current news article that relates to any of the Constitutional rights depicted in the Bill of Rights and to present the article to the large group.

Activity 3:  Reviewing the Immigrants’ Bill of Rights

This "Bill of Rights" is not an actual document, but a collection of rights found in US law that apply to immigrants.

The activity is intended to familiarize the learners with the guaranteed rights of all residents living in the United States.

• Go to the following website: http://www.nelrc.org/changeagent/immigration/basicrights.htm

• Read the Rights of All Immigrants.  Work together in your group and choose one of the rights listed.  Prepare a short speech that explains why this right is important to you.

• When you are finished, present your information to the class.

• Whole Group Discussion: Do you think that there are any rights missing?  Is there anything you would add to this list?

Writing Expansion:

Students can write a few paragraphs on why they think a particular right is important.  OR students could write their own “Rights of Immigrants.”

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