Bill of Rights
Most concerns about a too-powerful central government were addressed by the 1789 proposal to add a bill of rights to the Constitution. Made up of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights is series of limitations to the U.S. government.

The Bill of Rights are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution that provides and protects freedoms for US citizens.  Today, just like in the late 1700's people still fight to protect the freedoms of this country.  Groups like the American Civil Liberties Union  (ACLU) are among the people who fight for these freedoms on a daily basis. 

Assignment...
1.  Read the Bill of Rights by clicking on the link (there are only 10 so read them all).
2. Next go to the ACLU of Ohio site and pick an issue currently being discussed in Ohio.
3. In open office I want you to write about your issue. Your writing should include the following...

• What issue did you choose and describe it (3-5 Sentences)
  
• What number Amendment is it related to (1-10)
• Is this an issue Americans faced when the Bill of Rights was being written? (1-2 sentences)
  
• How you feel about this issue, are you for it? Against it? Not affected? (2-3 sentences)
• Please then copy and paste your respond in the comment section of this post.

OH Grade 8, Social Studies Standard History 6
Explain the challenges in writing and ratifying the U.S. Constitution including:

1. The debate over a Bill of Rights.

Study Island this week focuses on the American Revolution...I want your focus to be on the page 3 of the Study Island lesson and describe to me some of the ideas for United States Constitutional Government after the victory over England. Where did many of the ideas for government come from?  Please make sure this post is at least 5 sentences and please proof read it before you submit.

Mr. Reese


History 4
Explain the results of important developments of the American Revolution including:

1. Creation of state constitutions;

After watching the video above and completing your Study Island lesson...Write a five sentence paragraph describing some of the causes that led to the American Revolution.  Include names of Acts imposed on the Colonies by the British.  Good Luck

Mr. Reese

OH Grade 8, Social Studies Standard History 3
Identify and explain the sources of conflict which led to the American Revolution, with emphasis on the perspectives of the Patriots, Loyalists, neutral colonists and the British concerning:

1. The Proclamation of 1763, the Stamp Act, the Townshend Acts, the Tea Act and the Intolerable Acts;
2. The Boston Tea Party, the boycotts, the Sons of Liberty and petitions and appeals to Parliament.

After watching the video above and learning about the hardships of living in the original colonies of America, why would people have wanted to move to America in the first place?  In this Journal Entry you are to write a letter.  Please pretend you moved from England and are now living in one the original US 13 colonies.  Address this letter to Mr. Reese and tell me about the following points...

1.  How was the journey to America (how did you get there)?
2. What region are you living in?
3. Why did you decide to go to America in the first place?
4. Have you run into other groups of people (Native Americans, Spaniards, etc)?
5. Any other facts about life there.

Please let me know if you have any questions,

Good luck,

Mr. Reese


OH Grade 8, Social Studies Standard History 2
Describe the political, religious and economic aspects of North American colonization including:

1. Reasons for colonization, including religion, desire for land and economic opportunity;
2. Key differences among the Spanish, French and British colonies;
3. Interactions between American Indians and European settlers, including the agricultural and cultural exchanges, alliances and conflicts;
4. Indentured servitude and the introduction and institutionalization of slavery;
5. Early representative governments and democratic practices that emerged, including town meetings and colonial assemblies;
6. Conflicts among colonial powers for control of North America.