The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution Preamble
Guiding Questions
- How did principles shape the republican framework of the new constitutional government?
Objectives
- Students will analyze the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution by looking at key phrases from each document.
Anticipate
- Before the day of this lesson, tell students to bring in a framed picture or a picture of a framed picture from home on the day this will be taught.
Engage
- Have students share their framed picture with a partner or small group. What is this a picture or photograph of? Why is it framed?
- Bring the class together and ask students to consider the following questions:
- What purpose does the frame serve?
- How do the frame and picture work together for a common purpose?
Explore
- Distribute The Golden Core: Framing America’s Founding Ideals Essay and An “Apple of Gold” in a “Frame of Silver” Picture Handout to each student.
- As students read, they should draw and fill out a picture activity for each of the principles outlined in the essay. Examples of depictions of each principle may include a group of people voting, scales of justice, etc.
- Popular Sovereignty
- Justice and Equality
- Rule of Law
Assess & Reflect
- Have students display their pictures and allow the class to walk around the classroom to see each other’s work.
- As an exit ticket, have students write a paragraph response to the guiding question:
- How did principles shape the republican framework of the new constitutional government?