Bill of Rights Web Quest
Introduction:
After a long debate the Constitution was finally ratified with the promise of a Bill of Rights. The purpose of the Bill of Rights was to protect people’s rights from a strong centralized government. Do we still need these same rights protected today? Over the last few days we have discussed the history and content of the Bill of Rights. You will use this knowledge to help you make some decisions about changing the Bill of rights.
In a strange twist of fate, Congress has also been looking at the Bill of Rights recently. They have decided that it needs a bit of an upgrade. It is the goal of Congress to remove 5 amendments from the Bill of Rights and add 5 new amendments that are more in step with today’s society. However, Congress can’t agree on which five amendments to keep, and which to remove. There is also a great deal of debate on what new issues should be added to the Constitution. This is where you come in.
It is up to you and your partner to determine five amendments that should be removed from the Bill of Rights (Amendments 1-10). Also, you need to propose 5 new amendments based upon important issues of today. That is a lot to do… better get busy!
Task:
1. Divide up into pairs. Look over the bill of rights HERE. Working together decide which 5 amendments you want to remove. Using Microsoft Word, list the five amendments you have chosen to remove. Write a short paragraph (3-5 sentence) for each amendment explaining why you feel it should be removed. Type this up to turn in for grading. (Each pair can turn in one copy- make sure both names are on the sheet) (25 pts)2. Brainstorm with your partner and Determine some “hot” issues in today’s society. Now select five you feel are important enough to be included in the revised Bill of Rights. These could be anything appropriate for school. Write them up as new amendments to the constitution using formal language similar to what you see in other amendments. Then, write a short paragraph (3-5 sentence) for each new amendment explaining why you feel it should be included. Type this up to turn in to for grading. (Again, each pair can turn in one copy- make sure both names are on the sheet) (25 pts)
3. Chose the best of the five amendments you and your partner developed in part two and print it out again on a single sheet of paper. Turn this in to your teacher.
Resources
Listed below you will find a few links for information on the Bill of Rights and current events. Feel free to check other sources as well. These are starting points, nothing more. Just remember not all sources are equal. If you are worried about the legitimacy of a website, ask your teacher.
Links for News Sources:
Good sources for current events.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/
Links for news sources geared toward students and student issues:
These focus on issues that are important to students.
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK
http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/kids/
Some Amendments That Didn't Make It:
Interesting to see some amendments that did not pass over the years, you might get some ideas for your amendments here.
http://www.constitutionfacts.com/constitution/proposed.htm
Governmental Offices
Lots of good information and updates on current issues.
http://www.supremecourtus.gov/
Link Disclaimer: The links in this area will let you leave the Earnst.net site. The appearance of these links does not constitute endorsement by the Earnst.net of the linked web sites, or the information, products or services contained therein. Earnst.net does not exercise any control over the information you may find at these locations. Earnst.net cannot attest to the accuracy or appropriateness of information available at any linked sites. The Earnst.net is not responsible for contents of any linked pages or any link contained in a linked site or any changes or updates to such sites.