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Lesson Plans
Comparing the Founding Documents
Author: Joy Bishop
Grade(s): 7
Suggested Time: 2, 40 minute classes
Materials
- Magna Carts
- Declaration of Independence
- Bill of Rights
- 1802 Ohio Constitution
Core Instruction
- Prior to beginning the lesson discuss the concept of feudalism, King John and the signing of the Magna Carta
- Divide students in groups of 2-3 and distribute copies of the Bill of Rights
- Students will list what they believe are the three most important rights
- Distribute copies of the Magna Carta (in its entirety or portions) and ask students if the rights they chose appear in the Magna Carta. Create a T-chart together with the class
- Complete the same activity with the Ohio constitution
- Distribute copies of the Declaration of Independence and ask students to highlight the list of grievances
- Distribute the list of grievances from the Magna Carta and compare
- Lead the entire class in the creation of a matrix that includes: social classes in feudal England and how they were affected by the Magna Carta; social classes in early America and how each was affected by the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights; social classes in early Ohio and how they were affected by the passage of the Ohio Constitution. *This activity will require a great deal of input from the teacher
Assessment
Students will write a one-page paper answering the question: Would it have been wise to include more rights in the Magna Carta for lower classes? Why or why not?
Standards
- Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities 6-8, Benchmark B: Identify historical origins that influenced the rights United States citizens have today.
- Indicator: Grade 7, GLI 2. Describe the rights found in the Magna Carta and show connections to rights Americans have today
- Indicator: Grade X, GLI X. Content goes here
- Indicator: Grade X, GLI X. Content goes here
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