January Civics and History Activity Directions: Click on the linked words. Find the answer. Write it on your answer sheet. With many web browsers, you can use the keyboard to return to this page. For example with Firefox: hold down on the command key and tap the left arrow to go back one page. Use the Help menu to find out how to back up with your browser. Try that navigation with this activity.

1. Many parts of the U. S. Constitution have been give names.

Select any one of them. Give an example (real or imaginary) of how it applies to your life.

2. The Great Compromise was critical to creating a representative government.

What are the elements of the Great Compromise?

Although it solved several equality problems, this compromise laid the ground work
for the greatest crisis in the history of the United States. Explain.

3. Cotton is King! Calculate this MathMastery problem.

4. January 1, 1863 a proclamation that had been signed by President Lincoln 3.5 months earlier became law.
Name the proclamation. What did it do?

Use your Internet researching skills to answer these questions.

4. Which Amendment to the Constitution abolished slavery?

When was it ratified?

5. Martin Luther King Jr. was a famous leader. What cause did he support?

How did he fight for his cause?

What national legislation was passed, thanks in part, to his efforts?

Which President signed it into law?

6. Which department of the Federal government protects a citizen's civil rights?

How does the department protect a citizen's rights?

7. Give an example of a current civil rights issue.

9. What is the message of this political cartoon?

Rate the message (1 low - 5 very) in effectiveness in motivating you to act.

Challenge:

In January, every two years, a new session of the United States Congress begins. There are many new members who won the election in November of the previous year. It is critical for them to follow the complex procedures so their bills will be considered.

Write step by step directions on how to introduce a bill to one of the two bodies of Congress.

Explore: Civics & Constitution Projects, Essays, Elections & Voting, Quotes, Resources | Mrs. O'Hora's Pennsylvania Projects

Civil Rights - what are they? | Who represents you? | Evaluate your Senator or Representative

Emancipation Proclamations | History Mystery Object problem based learning | Thomas Paine's Mighty Pen

A Note for Freedom project | American Athenas, Founding Mothers & the Daughters of Liberty

We the People: Middle School Simulated Congressional Hearing - free online video from Center for Civics Education

Tackle a Constitution essay or question | History Mystery projects at Scholastic |

Freedom In America: Some Assembly Required - electronic field trip | CSPAN Student Cam video contest

Challenge Day - watch the video. | Listen to Overcoming Dyslexia, and Turning a Corner in Life

National Museum of American History | National Constitution Center

Investigate the issue of Internet Neutrality. What is your opinion?

2006 Cynthia J. O'Hora posted 11/2006 All trademarks, copyright and logos belong to their respective owners.

The Constitution and the Internet belong to all the citizens of the United States.

Save a tree - use a digital answer format - Highlight the text. Copy it. Paste it in a word processing document. Save the document in your folder. Answer on the word processing document in a contrasting color (not yellow) or font (avoid , or other ornate artistic fonts). Save frequently as you work. Be sure to enter your name & the date at the top of the document. Submit via email attachment or class dropbox. Bad things happen: Save a copy of the response document for your records.

Proof read your responses. It is funny how speling errors and typeos sneak in to the bets work. How to: Make your own printer ready paper answer sheet with lines.