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Chronological Reasoning and Causation

New York State Constitution: How does society become more democratic and just?

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About this Activity

  1. Load New York State Constitution of 1821, Article II, Voting Rights in Main Image Viewer
  2. Load Proposed Constitution, State of New York, Resolutions of 1868, African American Voting Rights in Main Image Viewer
  3. Load New York State Constitution of 1777, Excerpt - Property Ownership and Voting in Main Image Viewer
  4. Load New York State Constitution of 1777, Excerpt - Property Ownership and Voting in Main Image Viewer
  5. Load New York State Constitution of 1777, Excerpt - Property Ownership and Voting in Main Image Viewer
  6. Load New York State Constitution of 1777, Excerpt - Property Ownership and Voting in Main Image Viewer
  7. Load New York State Constitution of 1777, Excerpt - Property Ownership and Voting in Main Image Viewer
  8. Load New York State Constitution of 1777, Excerpt - Property Ownership and Voting in Main Image Viewer
  9. Load New York State Constitution of 1777, Excerpt - Property Ownership and Voting in Main Image Viewer
  10. Load New York State Constitution of 1777, Excerpt - Property Ownership and Voting in Main Image Viewer
  11. Load New York State Constitution of 1777, Excerpt - Property Ownership and Voting in Main Image Viewer
  12. Load New York State Constitution of 1777, Excerpt - Property Ownership and Voting in Main Image Viewer
  13. Load New York State Constitution of 1777, Excerpt - Property Ownership and Voting in Main Image Viewer
  14. Load New York State Constitution of 1777, Excerpt - Property Ownership and Voting in Main Image Viewer
  15. Load New York State Constitution of 1777, Excerpt - Property Ownership and Voting in Main Image Viewer
  16. Load New York State Constitution of 1777, Excerpt - Property Ownership and Voting in Main Image Viewer
  17. Load New York State Constitution of 1777, Excerpt - Property Ownership and Voting in Main Image Viewer
  18. Load New York State Constitution of 1777, Excerpt - Property Ownership and Voting in Main Image Viewer
  19. Load New York State Constitution of 1777, Excerpt - Property Ownership and Voting in Main Image Viewer

Suggested Teaching Instructions

Setting the Stage
​Discuss the 2017 debate over voting for a constitutional convention. Have students read the New York Times article from July 5, 2017 to understand the debate and the basis for the convention.
New York Times Article: A Constitutional Convention for New York? This May Be the Year

 

Learning Standards and Practices
7.5 THE CONSTITUTION IN PRACTICE: The United States Constitution serves as the foundation of the United States government and outlines the rights of citizens. The Constitution is considered a living document that can respond to political and social changes. The New York State Constitution also has been changed over time. (Standards: 1, 5; Themes: TCC, GOV, CIV)
7.5c While the Constitution provides a formal process for change through amendments, the Constitution can respond to change in other ways. The New York State Constitution changed over time, with changes in the early 19th century that made it more democratic.
Ø Students will examine the changes to the New York State Constitution and how they were made during the 19th century.
A. Gathering, Interpreting and Using Evidence
5. Make inferences and draw general conclusions from evidence.
F. Civic Participation
7. Identify how people in power have acted to extend the concept of freedom, the practice of social justice, and the protection of human rights in United States history.

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