U.S. Constitution: Continuity and Change in the Governing of the United States

House of Representatives 1866

Overview

Students analyze primary sources to examine continuity and change in the governing of the United States, studying the Constitution and Bill of Rights, investigating important issues that confronted the first Congress, and examining current congressional debates over similar issues. After, students explore the historical effects of early Congressional decision-making in the establishment of national holidays, brainstorm reminiscent modern-day holidays, and consider why we commemorate special days.

Related Resources

Grade

High School

Subjects

Civics, Social Studies

Length

320-400 minutes

Topics

balanced budget, bill of rights, congress, Congressional debates, federalist papers, holidays, national debt, terrorism, U.S. Constitution, veteran benefits, veterans

Author

Teaching with the Library of Congress

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