Lesson
Expansion of Franchise
Guiding question
Which amendments have expanded voting rights, thus expanding on the principle of consent of the governed?
How has the expansion of voting rights helped shape and secure participation in democracy?
Guiding Questions
- Which amendments have expanded voting rights, thus expanding on the principle of consent of the governed?
- How has legislation been used to extend suffrage to disenfranchised groups, thus expanding on the principle of consent of the governed?
Objective
- Students will be able to explain how voting rights have been expanded through the Constitution and legislation.
Materials
Lesson Components
ActivityExpanding Franchise Graphic Organizer:
An activity to help students explain how voting rights have been expanded through the Constitution and legislation.
ActivityVoting Rights Amendments to the Constitution
A primary source analysis of the various amendments to the Constitution that have expanded access to voting.
ActivityVoting Rights Timeline
A history of voting rights from the ratification of the Constitution through World War II and corresponding analysis questions.
EssayThe History of Voting Restrictions and Expanding Suffrage
Explore the expansion of franchise and suffrage movements from the Colonial Era to Barack Obama.
Lesson plan
45 minClick a phase to open it
Key Terms
- Suffrage
- Franchise
- Disenfranchise