Skip to content
Chronological Reasoning and Causation

Freedom of Expression: Representative Government for Elementary and Middle School

Student View

About this Activity

  1. Load Remonstrance. Of the colonies and villages in this province of New Netherland. in Main Document Viewer
  2. Load Laws Passed by the First Assembly in Main Document Viewer
  3. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  4. Load Remonstrance. Of the colonies and villages in this province of New Netherland. in Main Document Viewer
  5. Load Laws Passed by the First Assembly in Main Document Viewer
  6. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  7. Load Remonstrance. Of the colonies and villages in this province of New Netherland. in Main Document Viewer
  8. Load Laws Passed by the First Assembly in Main Document Viewer
  9. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  10. Load Remonstrance. Of the colonies and villages in this province of New Netherland. in Main Document Viewer
  11. Load Laws Passed by the First Assembly in Main Document Viewer
  12. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  13. Load Remonstrance. Of the colonies and villages in this province of New Netherland. in Main Document Viewer
  14. Load Laws Passed by the First Assembly in Main Document Viewer
  15. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  16. Load Laws Passed by the First Assembly in Main Document Viewer
  17. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  18. Load Laws Passed by the First Assembly in Main Document Viewer
  19. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  20. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  21. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  22. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  23. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  24. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  25. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  26. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  27. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  28. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  29. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  30. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  31. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  32. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  33. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  34. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  35. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  36. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  37. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer
  38. Load Second Constitution of New York State, 1821 in Main Document Viewer

Suggested Teaching Instructions

Introduction: 

Dongan’s Laws were passed by the first New York Assembly in 1683. This pioneering document, known as the Charter of Liberties and Privileges, granted rights such as trial by jury, freedom of religion, and the right to a representative government. The provision relating to freedom of religion was later included in Section 38 of the New York State Constitution of 1777.

Watch This is What Democracy Looks Like and answer the questions that follow before analyzing the documents.

Learning Standards: 

4.4 GOVERNMENT: There are different levels of government within the United States and New York State. The purpose of government is to protect the rights of citizens and to promote the common good. The government of New York State establishes rights, freedoms, and responsibilities for its citizens.
(Standards: 1, 5; Themes: GOV, CIV)
4.4b The New York State Constitution establishes the basic structure of government for the state. The government of New York creates laws to protect the people and interests of the state.
Students will use a graphic organizer to show the different branches of state government and the roles and responsibilities of each. The present governor, the local senator, and the local assemblyperson should be identified.

7.4 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION: The newly independent states faced political and economic struggles under the Articles of Confederation. These challenges resulted in a Constitutional Convention, a debate over ratification, and the eventual adoption of the Bill of Rights.
(Standards: 1, 5; Themes: GOV, CIV)
7.4b The lack of a strong central government under the Articles of Confederation presented numerous challenges. A convention was held to revise the Articles, the result of which was the Constitution. The Constitution established a democratic republic with a stronger central government.
Students will examine the New York State Constitution, its main ideas and provisions, and its influence on the formation of the United States Constitution.

RETURN TO RESULTS