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Module 16 - Key Documents and Primary Sources, The Constitution in Depth - Activity 5

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Activity 1 : : Activity 2 : : Activity 3 : : Activity 4: : Activity 5

Activity 5: Taskstream

(Note: Only Teachers College students complete Tasks associated with the IOA4.)

  • Complete Task 8 in Subdomain 102.6-Social Sciences (Objective 102.6.6-30) in Taskstream.
    • Read the instructions for the task and view the rubric.  By viewing the rubric ahead of time, you will know what the readers are looking for.
    • Create an outline of how you will approach the task.  The task is asking for a short (2-3 pages) essay.
    • Gather appropriate notes from the readings and any other resources you have found.
    • Be sure to use in-text citations where appropriate, and include a reference list.


Before you submit Task 8 for review, check to make sure you have completed the following

  • A title page
  • An introduction with a reasonable thesis statement
  • Organized body paragraphs with adequate support of the thesis
  • Appropriate and accurate in-text citations that follow the APA style
  • An adequate number of relevant sources
  • A conclusion that re-states the thesis
  • A list of references in APA style with minimal errors
  • A check to ensure formal writing tone; easy to read and follow writing style; correct structure, grammar, usage and mechanics

Specific clarifications for IOA4, Task 8: The First and Second Amendments
  • Be sure to cover all of the issues outlined in the rubric: gun control, freedom of the press to protect their sources, and separation of church and state.
  • Some topics to consider when assessing the First Amendment:
    • What does the First Amendment say? How would you describe its provisions? 
    • What have others read it to mean? 
    • How has the Supreme Court ruled on its meaning? 
    • How do laws come into conflict with the First Amendment? 
    • How has the Supreme Court’s process of “incorporation” affected the First Amendment? 
    • What are some recent examples of First Amendment conflicts? 
    • How are balancing tests applied to the First Amendment? What are the boundaries or limitations of the protections it describes?
  • Some topics to consider when assessing the Second Amendment:
    • What does the Second Amendment say? 
    • How would you describe its provisions? 
    • What have others read it to mean? 
    • How has the Supreme Court ruled on its meaning? 
    • What are some of the balancing tests applied to the Second Amendment? 
    • Are firearms an issue of particular weight when it comes to upholding “the public good?” 
    • Is there significance to the fact the amendment is only one sentence long? 
    • What are the boundaries of its protections? 
    • How do state and federal laws come into conflict with the Second Amendment? 
    • What are some recent examples of Second Amendment conflicts?
  • Some links to consider for additional information on the Framers’ intentions and jurisprudence relating to the First and Second Amendments:
 
Please feel free to contact the mentor through the U.S. History, Government and Geography community if you have any additional questions.

 

 

 

Copyright 2008, by the Contributing Authors. Cite/attribute Resource. sguy. (2007, March 01). Module 16 - Key Documents and Primary Sources, The Constitution in Depth - Activity 5. Retrieved November 20, 2009, from Western Governors University Web site: http://ocw.wgu.edu/liberal-arts/geography-u-s-history-government-parts-i-and-ii-after-11-26-07/a165.html. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License. Creative Commons License