Scavenger Hunt

Topic: United States Constitution and it's significance.

Lesson Objective: This lesson is designed to help you understand the importance of the United States Constitution, it's creation, and it's different elements. In this web Scavenger Hunt you will browse the five websites that I have chosen (listed below) and then answer ten questions regarding what you have learned.

California Content Standards met:
5.7.2 Explain the significance of the new Constitution of 1787, including the struggles over its ratification and the reasons for the addition of the bill of rights.

Web resources: Make sure to visit all 5 of these sites!!!
The Constitution for Kids
Copy of The Constitution for the United States of America
Elbridge Gerry's Reasons for not Signing the Federal Constitution
Constitutional Amendments
Bill of Rights

Questions for research:

1. According to your reading, why did the United States need to draft a Constitution?


2. Name at least 3 "framers" of the Constitution.


3. What are the 3 branches of Government set forth by the Constitution, and what role do they play in our government?


4. Why did some people not want to ratify the constitution?


5. Elbridge Gerry did not sign the Constitution. Why? Do you agree with his reasons? Why or why not?


6. What is an "Amendment"?


7. Briefly explain how an Amendment can be added to the Constitution.


8. Why is important to be able to add an Amendment to the Constitution?


9. If you could add an Amendment to the Constitution what would it be and why?


10. After reading over the Bill of Rights, which Amendment do you feel is the most important and why? Please explain.