Introduction

The Constitution of the United States has stood the test of time. Think of all the technological, social, economic, and political changes that have occurred since 1787! Yet, our Constitution has been amended only twenty-seven times in our nation's history. Amendments are changes, modifications, or correction of errors that require approval by three-fourths of the states.

Article V explains the process for amending the Constitution. In this lesson, we're going to learn about some key amendments to our Constitution that directly improved the rights and freedoms of African Americans and women in our country.

See larger size of the original version of the U.S. Constitution here.

Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to...

  • Identify the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Nineteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution

Essential Questions

  • Why were changes to the original United States Constitution needed?

Enduring Understandings

  • The United States Constitution provides the structure of the United States government and was created by the Founders to be a living document.
  • The Constitution was designed to allow amendments to reflect the changing attitudes, beliefs, and needs of our growing republic.

The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: United States History I standards: 4.1.