7.5 - The Constitution in Practice

Seventh Grade - Seventh Social Studies - 7.5 - The Constitution in Practice

From EngageNY

The United States Constitution serves as the foundation of the United States government and outlines the rights of citizens. The Constitution is considered a living document that can respond to political and social changes. The New York State Constitution also has been changed over time.

7.5a The Constitution outlined a federalist system of government that shares powers between the federal, state, and local governments.

• Students will identify powers granted to the federal government and examine the language used to grant powers to the states.

7.5b The Constitution established three branches of government as well as a system of checks and balances that guides the relationship between the branches. Individual rights of citizens are addressed in the Bill of Rights.

• Students will compare and contrast the powers granted to Congress, the president, and the Supreme Court by the Constitution.
• Students will examine how checks and balances work by tracing how a bill becomes a law.
• Students will identify the individual rights of citizens that are protected by the Bill of Rights.

7.5c While the Constitution provides a formal process for change through amendments, the Constitution can respond to change in other ways. The New York State Constitution changed over time, with changes in the early 19th century that made it more democratic.

• Students will examine the process for amending the constitution.
• Students will examine the evolution of the unwritten constitution, such as Washington’s creation of the presidential cabinet and the development of political parties.
• Students will examine the changes to the New York State Constitution and how they were made during the 19th century.

7.5d Foreign and domestic disputes tested the strength of the Constitution, particularly the separation of powers, the system of checks and balances, and the issue of States rights. The United States sought to implement isolationism while protecting the Western Hemisphere from European interference.

• Students will examine events of the early nation including Hamilton’s economic plan, the Louisiana Purchase, the Supreme Court decision in Marbury v. Madison, and the War of 1812 in terms of testing the strength of the Constitution.
• Students will examine the Monroe Doctrine and its effects on foreign policy.