Polly James
Locust Elementary
Abilene, TX
89061
AUDIENCE: Grades 4-6
ABSTRACT: Through discussion and the students matching present day situations with the correct amendment that applies to a particular situation, the teacher should guide students to recognize the U.S. Constitution as a living document that is as applicable today as it was over 200 years ago with relatively few changes or amendments.
OBJECTIVES: Students will:
Through discussion, the teacher should guide students to recognize the Constitution as a living document that is as applicable today as it was 201 years ago with relatively few amendments.
EVALUATION: Teacher observation of class discussion and the worksheets answered by the students.
KEY TO WORKSHEETS:
1. 10
2. 22
3. 13
4. 3
5. 8
6. 26
7. 25
8. 18
9. 21
10. 11
11. 1
12. 16
13. 2
14. 20
15. 5
16. 4
17. 6
18. 14
19. 15
20. 17
21. 19
22. 24
23. 23
24. 7
25. 12
26. 9
Adapted from A Part of Something Great. Good Apple,
Inc.
OUR LIVING AMENDMENTS
The following situations are examples of the 26 amendments at work. Our Constitution is the basis for the laws in our society. Therefore, it is important for everyone to recognize how the Constitution applies to our every day lives.
Decide which amendment governs the situation given and put the number of the amendment in the blank.
____ 1. In which Constitutional amendment is the paragraph ensuring that all powers not delegated to the federal government are indeed "reserved for either the states or the people?"
____ 2. Former President Reagan was elected twice by the people. He could NOT be elected to serve a third term. Which amendment states a President cannot serve more than two terms of office?
____ 3. It became illegal for one person to hold another person
as a slave as a result of which amendment?
____ 4. We do not have to let soldiers live in our homes if we do not want them there. This privilege from being forced quarter soldiers in our homes is a part of which Constitutional amendment?
____ 5. Clifford Claypool is arrested for knocking down old Mrs. Kimball (age 72) and then stealing her purse which contained $6.60. At the police station Clifford is treated rather harshly by the officers in charge and is bodily "thrown" into a cell. He overhears the arresting officer say that they are going to "throw the book" at him for doing such a lowly thing to such a nice little old lady. Clifford knows that he is a rascal, but he also chuckles at the comment because he knows that his penalty cannot be too harsh for committing such a minor offense as "purse snatching." Which amendment makes Clifford so certain?
____ 6. Which amendment gives eighteen year olds the right to vote? This right was formerly reserved for those twenty-one years of age or older.
____ 7. An historical incident occurred not too long ago wherein Nelson Rockerfeller was nominated by former President Ford and then confirmed as Vice President by Congress. This action became necessary when former President Nixon resigned, thus leaving Vice President Ford to succeed him as President. Vice President Ford became Vice President when he was appointed by President Nixon to fill the vacancy that had been created by the resignation of Spiro Agnew. There has since been provision made so that in the future there will always be a Vice President. Which amendment made this provision a reality?
____ 8. The rights of Americans to consume alcoholic beverages was taken away from them in 1919 by a Constitutional amendment. However, because of public protest and because it was so very difficult to enforce, the amendment was later repealed. Which amendment tried to stop Americans from drinking?
____ 9. We all know that it is now legal to consume alcoholic beverages so long as that person doing the drinking has satisfied the minimum age requirements. This right came to us only after the ratification of this amendment. It had the effect of undoing what an earlier amendment had done by banning the sale or consumption of liquor.
____ 10. Abram Grant, formerly of Atlanta, Georgia, is now living in Abilene, Texas. He lodges a protest against the state of Georgia because he feels his business was unfairly taxed when he lived in Georgia. He even attempts to file a formal lawsuit against the state of Georgia. We all know that if the state of Georgia refuses to be sued by Mr. Grant, then poor Abram is just "out of luck" because there is no place for the case to be heard. The federal courts will not hear cases involving citizens of one state against another state. This is clearly pointed out in which amendment?
____ 11. "I can say what I want, write what I want, worship as I please, call together a group of my friends to criticize the government and I am also allowed to petition the proper authorities if I so desire." These rights that belong to us all are provided for in which of the Constitutional amendments?
____ 12. The power of Congress to levy a tax against the income of those who work in order to pay for the services of the federal government is a result of which amendment?
____ 13. Rocky Rhode keeps a gun in his closet. Rocky tells all of his friends that he keeps it there...not because he likes to hunt...but rather to "defend himself against anyone who would try and rob him." We all know that Rocky could get himself into a great deal of trouble if he uses that gun without caution. However, we recognize Rocky's right to keep a weapon to defend himself and that which is rightfully his. This right is one shared by all as a result of which amendment?
____ 14. Ronald Reagan became the nation's 40th President on Tuesday, January 20, 1981, at 12:00 noon EST. He was sworn into office by Chief Justice Warren Burger. Under the original Constitution, he would have had to wait until March 4 to take over as President. This "lame duck" amendment came to us through the ratification of which of our amendments?
____ 15. Morton was suspected and finally arrested for the murder of Silas McCree. There were no eye witnesses to the shooting, but Morton did have a motive. He also has a fairly legitimate alibi that will explain his whereabouts at the time of the shooting. Morton tells his friend, Dudley Dunn, that he isn't worried because, "There isn't enough evidence to even bring me to trial." He is right. The Grand Jury fails to find enough evidence against Morton to bring him to trial and he is released under a "no true bill" statement. This same right given to Morton is ensured to all of us because of which amendment?
____ 16. Rasmuson is a qualified law officer. He goes to the home of Johnson and demands entry into his house. Rasmuson has no reason to think Johnson has something to hide. Johnson tells Rasmuson to,"Buzz off! You don't even have a search warrant." Which Constitutional amendment gives Johnson this protection?
____ 17. Marty Mannix tells Officer Notgrass that he saw Bill Knox rob the Save-More Bank. Later, Mannix refuses to testify to this statement in open court, so the statement of Mr. Mannix cannot be admitted as evidence against Mr. Knox. The reason for this is that a defendant has the right to be confronted by those who accuse him. Where in the Constitution is this stated?
____ 18. Gerald Golightly has the right to plan his family vacation to any place he wants to go. He might not have this right in certain other countries of the world. Which amendment gives him this right?
____ 19. Any black or member of any other minority who qualifies properly can vote in the USA because of which Constitutional amendment?
____ 20. If either of the two U.S. Senators from the state Texas should become incapable of performing his or her duties, then it would be up to the Governor of Texas to either find someone to take the place of the Senator who vacated his office, or he could call for a special election. In which amendment is this provision found?
____ 21. Although it was not always true, young women are now allowed to vote just as men. It took a Constitutional amendment to win women the right to vote. Which amendment allows this right?
____ 22. Nathan Adams is a poor black man living in the state of Louisiana. A few years back Nathan was not allowed to vote in state and local elections because he could not pay his poll tax. He could not afford to buy his right to vote because he considered food and shelter more important. He could, however, vote in national elections because of an amendment that forbids the use of a poll tax in national elections. Which amendment forbids the poll tax?
____ 23. The citizens of Washington, D.C. are now allowed to vote for their President, too. This right had been denied them before because only states were given Electors; and the city of Washington, D.C. does not lie within the boundaries of any state. Which amendment changed all this to allow the citizens of our nation's capital the right to vote in Presidential elections?
____ 24. On his way home from work, Jackson's car collides with Miller's car. Jackson says Miller's car ran a red light. Miller, who is a police officer, says Jackson's car ran a red light. Jackson was not hurt, but sued Miller for damages for his car. Jackson figures the judge will believe Miller because he is "on the side of the law." However, he does believe the judgement of 12 good people will decide in his favor; therefore he demands a jury trial. Where in the Constitution is Jackson guaranteed this right?
____ 25. Which amendment provides that the electors should state on their ballot the person they want for President and the person for Vice President?
____ 26. Which amendment tells citizens they have still other rights that are not mentioned in the Constitution?