U. S. Government: Democracy In Action

Chapter 23: Structure and Function of State Government

Web Activity Lesson Plans

Introduction
In this chapter students have learned about the importance and functions of state constitutions, the three branches of state governments, how states write and enforce public policy, and how states raise revenue. In this activity they will make an in-depth exploration of state constitutions.

Lesson Description
Students will visit the Prairienet Web site to closely examine the constitution of a state of their choosing. After answering several questions about the document, students will compare it to the Constitution of the United States to summarize similarities and differences between the two documents.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will become familiar with the structure and organization of a state constitution.
2. Students will be able to classify similarities and differences between the U.S. Constitution and a state constitution.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. All state governments do contain a bill of rights. Students may comment that the states' bills of rights are lengthier than the national Bill of Rights.
2. Students' answers will vary.
3. Students' answers will vary.
4. Students' answers will vary.
5. Students' charts will vary.