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Documents of Democracy

A WebQuest for 8th Grade Social Studies

Magna Carta

Emancipation Proclamation

Introduction

This WebQuest was created under a grant funded by Title II, during June 2003.

Students will learn the origins of the key documents that helped to shape and define our democracy.

Learners

This webquest is designed for 8th grade Government or Social Studies class. It is designed to be an individual project. but it could also be adapted to be a small group project (3-5 students).

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Curriculum Standards

Students will learn the historical, social, and political context that surrounded the creation of these documents and the impact that they had on shaping and defining democracy.

Social Studies Standards Addressed

1SS-E16 Explain the economic and political reasons for the American Revolution, with emphasis on:

PO 3: The ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

1SS-E17 Describe the aspirations, ideals, and events that served as the foundation for the creation of a new national government, with emphasis on:

	The major debates of the Constitutional Convention and their resolution
	The contributions of major individuals in the writing and ratification of the constitution, including George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay.

Explain the course and consequences of the Civil War and how it divided the American people, with emphasis on:

PO 5: The purpose and effect of the Emancipation Proclamation

2SS-E3 Describe political philosophies and concepts of government that became the foundation for the American Revolution and the United States , with emphasis on:

	PO 1: Ideas of the nature of government and rights of individuals expressed in the Declaration of Independence with its roots in British philosophers such as john Locke
	The concept of limited government and the rule of law established in the Magna Carta and the English Bill of Rights

2SS-E4: Identify concepts of governments as expressed in the United States Constitution and explain the powers granted to the three branches of government and those reserved for the states, with emphasis on:

PO 2: The separation of Powers through development of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

2SS-E5: Identify and describe a citizens' fundamental constitutional rights, with emphasis on:

	PO 1: freedom of religion , expression, and press
	PO 2: Right to a fair trial
	PO 3 Equal protection and due process

Writing Standards Addressed

	LS-E2: Prepare and deliver and oral report in a content area and effectively convey the information through verbal and non-verbal communications with a specific audience
	VP-E2: Plan, develop and produce a visual presentation, using a variety of media such as, videos, films, newspapers, magazines, and computer images

Technology Standard Addressed

3T-E3 Publish and present information using technology tools

	PO 1: Design and create a multimedia presentation or Web page using multiple digital sources
	PO 2: Publish or present above production

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Process

Students will select or be assigned (by you) one of 5 key documents that have helped to define the American democratic form of government. They will research that document and create a PowerPoint (or other type of presentation software) slide show that examines and explains the history and impact the document had on democracy. As students give their individual presentations, they should see how these documents are similar and how ideals expressed in the Magna Carta, 1215, are reflected in the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights.

See the Student Process page for complete details

Variations

This quest can also be used as a group project, where teams of students (2-4) divide up tasks and research all of the documents, looking at how these documents are related, interconnected, similar and different. The group prepares one slideshow, with each presenting the part(s) they did. For grading, give students an individual score for their portion and a group grade, which could be as simple as an average of the individual grades or it may take any other form as you see fit.

For ESS/Special Needs or low readers, direct them to the Ben's guide website and have them select the appropriate level. This site contains information appropriate for various levels. You can also adjust the quest as you see fit.

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Resources Needed

Students will need access to computers with internet access, word processing software and presentation software (ie PowerPoint)

You may need to have other resources available, such as your Government/Social Studies textbooks, dictionaries, and various books about these documents. They can be very helpful if internet access is out or you have limited access to computers.

If you have them, having copies of the documents available or on display in the classroom is very handy.

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Evaluation

When students have finished their presentations, they should be able to answer questions about their particular document, which should make it evident whether they understand the importance of the document. When all have finished their presentations, lead a class discussion and see if students can see the interconnections of the documents and how they have all impacted history.

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Conclusion

Understanding the roots of our democracy and how it functions and adapts through changing times is important for all citizens. This quests begins that process.

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Credits & References

Creation of this webquest was funded by a Title II-D, Enhancing Education Thought Technology Created during the summer of 2003 @ Kayenta Unified School District #27

Special thanks to John Hall, Jim Crittenden, Pat Saganey-Wayne, and Gladys Yellowhair for their assistance and input. They were fellow webquest creators.

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