Students will analyze an unidentified historical document and draw conclusions about what this document was for, who created it, and why. After the document is identified as George Washington’s annotated copy of the Committee of Style’s draft constitution, students will compare its text to that of an earlier draft by the Committee of Detail to understand its evolution.
The Declaration of Independence: Created Equal?
This lesson focuses on a few key concepts of the Declaration of Independence, beginning with the phrase “All men are created equal.” Students gain an appreciation of Thomas Jefferson’s efforts to deal with the complex issues of equality and slavery in the Declaration of Independence.
Roper v. Simmons (2005), High School
Does the Eighth Amendment prohibit the execution of juveniles who commit capital crimes prior to turning 18 years of age? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2005.
Roper v. Simmons (2005), Middle School
Does the Eighth Amendment prohibit the execution of juveniles who commit capital crimes prior to turning 18 years of age? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2005.
The Declaration of Independence: From Rough Draft to Proclamation
Students will analyze an unidentified historical document and draw conclusions about what this document was for, who created it, and why. After the document is identified as Thomas Jefferson’s “original Rough draught” of the Declaration of Independence, students will compare its text to that of the final document adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776 and discuss the significance of differences in wording.
Rumsfeld v. Padilla (2004)
Do the president’s powers enable him to seize and detain a U.S. citizen based on the president’s resolve that he is an “enemy combatant?” This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2004.
The U.S. Constitution: Continuity and Change in the Governing of the United States
This unit examines continuity and change in the governing of the United States. Lessons one and two are focused on a study of the Constitution and Bill of Rights and provide access to primary source documents from the Library of Congress. Lesson three investigates important issues which confronted the first Congress and has students examine current congressional debate over similar issues. Lesson four features broadsides from the Continental Congress.
SAENZ v. Roe (1999)
Does a statute authorizing states receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) to pay the benefit amount of another state to its first year residents, violate the Fourteenth Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 1999.
Safford v. Redding (2009)
Does the Fourth Amendment prohibit public school officials from conducting an intrusive search of a student suspected of possessing drugs? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2009.
Samson v. California (2006)
Does the Fourth Amendment prohibit police from conducting an suspicionless search of a parolee? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2006.