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

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

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

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

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

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.5

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

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

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

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.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

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

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.9

CCSS.RI.7.6

CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.7.6

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

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3