Constitution Writing Prompts

Constitution Writing Prompts:  This set of prompts, just like the Constitution, is a living document. Different prompts will be assigned at different times, but all will be due by the of the day on Wednesday December 18 th .

Expectations:  Use Arial, Arial Narrow, or Times New Roman at a 12 -14 font. Double spaced is not required due to copy limits.  Full name and period number should be typed in the upper right hand corner of the document  The document should have the title “My Constitution”. It should be bolded and be centered at the top of the page.  XC prompts will only be scored if the required work is above a satisfactory level and has included all of the proper information. In other words – get the required work done before you go hunting for extra credit.  You may use your in-class resources to help complete these prompts. The internet is only available if researching additional information during 10th period in the DLL.

Each prompt should . . .  Be numbered  Include a clear topic sentence that allows the reader (me) to know what the paragraph is supposed to be about without needing to see the prompt.  Paragraphs should be indented and proper grammar/spelling/punctuation is expected.  All prompts should include specific facts from our instruction and show a high-level understanding of the topic. Students are expected to have this assignment also reflect a more mature writing style and understanding of historical topics than on previous assignments. Each prompt will require at least a 3-5 sentence paragraph. (but most will need more writing than that) o Daily growth leads to long term learning just like new laws lead to a better government.  SHOULD BE DIFFERENT. Do not keep using the same examples for each prompt. ======Topic #1: The Constitution as a Government Prompt #1 – Required What is the Constitution? Define it. Explain why we created it – give specific details (at least 2 examples). This is an introduction to the paper we are writing. This is all review information. At least two “why we created its” should reference the the DofI, AofC and/or Federalist/Anti-Federalist ratification debate.

Topic #2: The Preamble of the Constitution Prompt #2 – Required Describe what the Preamble is. List the three most important parts of the Preamble. Give a detailed explanation of what each of those parts means.

Topic #3: The Seven Basic Principles of the Constitution Prompt #3 – Required Select two basic principles of the Constitution. Describe each and then explain how they protect against a return to the Monarchy that the states saw as colonies while they were under British rule. Prompt XC #1 – Extra credit – select ONE option below Option A: Select one basic principle and describe its relationship to three specific parts of the Preamble. Explain how that basic principle allows the Constitution to achieve the three parts you selected from the Preamble. Option B: Select three different basic principles. Select ONE part of the Preamble and relate each basic principle to that part of the Preamble. How do they connect?

Topic #4: The 3 Branches of Government Prompt #4 – Required List and describe what each of the 3 branches of government do. Include at least three important people/groups/processes/parts that make that branch work. Just listing is not good enough. This should be written in a way that shows you understand the purpose and parts of each branch of government.

Prompt #5 - Required Explain how at least two basic principles are directly connected to the creation of the 3 branches of Government. Make sure to be clear on how they connect.

Prompt #6 - Required For each branch of government, give at least two examples of how each affects your daily life at home, school, and/or in the world.

Prompt XC #2: Describe the process of how a bill becomes a law. Explain how each branch is involved in the process.

Prompt XC #3: Describe the process we use to elect the President, also known as the Electoral College. Be clear with how candidates win votes and explain whether you feel this system should still be used in this country. ------Topic #5: Federalism Prompt #7– Required Define Federalism by describing each level of government in the United States. Include at least 3 important facts/people/jobs for each level of government in your description.

Prompt #8 – Required List and explain one way that each level of government has a direct impact on your daily life.

Prompt XC #4: Consider the level of government that has the most impact on your daily life: Local government. Give two specific events in 2013 that happened in your local government and explain how they affected your life or will in the future. (if you have to use state instead, I am ok with that )

Topic #6: Bringing it all Together Prompt #9 – Required List 3 specific weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and give specific explanations proving how the Constitution fixed/improved on those problems.

Prompt #10 – Required The Founding Fathers are considered geniuses for the government they created, especially considering how long it has lasted. Which part of the Constitution (you may include the Bill of Rights) do you think was the most important and has the greatest impact on Americans today? Give at least two supporting arguments.

Prompt XC #5: (this extra credit is worth DOUBLE the amount of extra points) Give two examples of how policies created with the Land Ordinance and Northwest Ordinance were used within the Constitution. Explain clearly.