
Students learn more about the role of the Judicial branch and how the work of this branch relates to the Constitution. They read and interpret the language of the First Amendment as it relates to Freedom of Religion
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12.2: Students evaluate and take and defend positions on the scope and limits of rights and obligations as democratic citizens, the relationships among them, and how they are secured.
Quality Criteria: | Absolutely | Almost | Not Yet |
Interpretation I am able to accurately interpret the text of the first amendment as it relates to the freedom of religion in my own words |
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Collaboration I work cooperatively with others to review, brainstorm and determine the meaning of the freedom of religion language in the first amendment of the Constitution. |
Ask students what is meant by “interpretation of the law.” This slide is meant to further reinforce the role of the judicial branch: The Constitution sets the “rule of law,” and arguments in court must be heard on both sides. Decisions are made based on the rules set out by the Constitution. “Interpreting the law” in an impartial way is the job of the courts.
This is a good time to ask about the role of the other branches of government (Slide #9):
Clarify what is meant by “constitutional” or “unconstitutional”: The judicial branch, or the courts, try to find out if a rule or law from the Constitution has been broken. Ask students to discuss in a Pair Share what “Constitutional” would mean, and what “Unconstitutional” would mean.
Have students read the First Amendment and the freedoms they represent.
Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of the right to peaceably assemble, and freedom to petition. They also give the right to freedom of religion. (Discuss)
Introduce the free exercise clause and the establishment clause. Students pair/share, discussing and collaborating about the meaning of the two clauses, each one completing the handout, “In Your Own Words (PDF),” to interpret the meaning.
Ask students to use their own handout and turn to a different partner, sharing their interpretation from “In Your Own Words”… do we agree? Discussion with new partner.
The entire group can discuss and provide summaries for these two clauses of the First Amendment, bringing closure to the third lesson.