The Words We Live By - Informational Text Structure

How does the passage organize information about "We the People"?

• By listing key figures who influenced the phrase

• By showing how the definition expanded over time through amendments

• By explaining how different governments use similar phrasing

• By giving step-by-step instructions on constitutional ratification

Why does the author include quotes from Thurgood Marshall?

• To contrast two different views on the Constitution's evolution

• To show that the Constitution has remained unchanged since 1787

• To argue against the Constitution’s amendment process

• To provide a personal reflection on Gouverneur Morris

How does the passage structure its discussion of amendments?

• Chronologically, by presenting amendments in historical order

• Compare and contrast, by showing different perspectives

• Problem and solution, by explaining why amendments were necessary

• Cause and effect, by linking amendments to specific historical events

Why does the passage include Benjamin Franklin’s thoughts about the Constitution?

• To emphasize that he was the most important founding father

• To show doubt about whether the Constitution would last

• To illustrate that he believed in the document despite its flaws

• To criticize the Constitutional Convention

What effect does the quote from Shelby Foote about the Civil War ("The United States are" vs. "The United States is") have on the passage?

• It emphasizes that the Civil War permanently united the country

• It argues that states lost their independence after the war

• It shows how language and grammar changed over time

• It claims that the Constitution was rewritten after the Civil War

How does the passage structure its discussion of Gouverneur Morris’s role in writing the Constitution?

• By presenting a timeline of his contributions

• By providing a cause-and-effect explanation of his choices

• By describing how his edits shaped the final wording

• By comparing his work to that of James Madison

What textual evidence supports the idea that the Constitution has changed significantly over time?

• The passage lists key amendments that expanded the rights of various groups.

• It describes how the Federalists opposed the Antifederalists' objections.

• Quotes from Gouverneur Morris highlight his frustration with revisions.

• It discusses how other countries model their constitutions after the U.S.

How does the author develop the idea of the Constitution being "perfectible"?

• By explaining why Benjamin Franklin disagreed with its final version

• By arguing that its flaws remain unaddressed even today

• By showing how the Federalists opposed any changes after its ratification

• By describing amendments that have improved its inclusiveness over time

What organizational pattern is used to describe the ratification of the Constitution?

• Chronological, listing each step in the ratification process

• Problem and solution, highlighting the fear of tyranny and its resolution

• Cause and effect, linking ratification to the Bill of Rights

• Compare and contrast, showing the differences between Federalists and Antifederalists

What is the purpose of the anecdote about Benjamin Franklin and the "rising sun"?

• To demonstrate the delegates’ uncertainty during the convention

• To explain how symbols were used in the Constitution

• To illustrate his skepticism about the future of the Constitution

• To show Franklin’s optimism about the nation's potential