US History - The U.S. Constitution - Preamble
EQ: What is the significance of the Preamble to the Constitution, for the new nation in 1787 and today?
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| ____ | Do Now | _________ / 2-5 Min | (Individual / Think-Pair-Share / Pair / Group #____) | |||||
| ____ | Mini Lesson | _________/ 15-20 Min | (Individual / Think-Pair-Share / Pair / Group #____) | |||||
| ____ | Activity | _________ / 20-30 Min | (Individual / Think-Pair-Share / Pair / Group #_____) | |||||
| ____ | Discussion/Exit Ticket | _________ / 5-10 Min | (Individual / Think-Pair-Share / Pair / Group #____) | |||||
| ____ | Assessment | _________ / 10-40 Min | (Individual / Think-Pair-Share / Pair / Group #____) | |||||
| ____ | Conferencing | _________ Min | (Individual / Pair / Group #____ / Throughout Class Period) | |||||
The Preamble
The Preamble to the Constitution is an introductory, succinct statement of the principles at work in the full text. It is referred to in countless speeches, judicial opinions, and in a song from Schoolhouse Rock. Courts will not interpret the Preamble to confer any rights or powers not granted specifically in the Constitution. The preamble sets the stage for the Constitution. It clearly communicates the intentions of the framers and the purpose of the document. The preamble is an introduction to the highest law of the land; it is not the law. It does not define government powers or individual rights.
Establish Justice is the first of five objectives outlined in the 52-word paragraph that the Framers drafted in six weeks during the hot Philadelphia summer of 1787. They found a way to agree on the following basic principles:
Text of the Preamble
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Activities
Lesson Presentation/Video: The Preamble (Schoolhouse Rock)
Video:
- The Preamble (Schoolhouse Rock) YouTube
Classwork Activity: The Preamble Activity SEL Based