Lesson 1: What is the Bill of Rights?

Students will demonstrate their understanding of the U.S. Constitution and the subsequent roles, rights and responsibilities of citizenship, including avenues of participation.

Suggested Topics

• The importance of the Bill of Rights to U.S. culture, history and daily life
  
• The effect of a particular amendment on American culture
  
• Ensuring an individual’s rights
  
• Understanding an individual’s responsibilities

Suggested Activities

• Students explain each amendment to class/each other
  
• Analyze effects of amendments on people’s lives
  
• Vocabulary to include: civil rights, amendments, constitutional/unconstitutional

Resources

• Public library
• Book: Knowing Your Government: Your Rights and Responsibilities (Prentice Hall)