Principles of the Constitution in Action Newspaper Headlines Activity

This Principles of the Constitution in Action Newspaper Headlines Activity reinforces the key principles of the United States Constitution using real-life examples. Students match historical and contemporary examples of government-in-action to the seven principles of the U.S. Constitution. They then use a direct quotation from the Constitution to explain and defend their analysis. This integration of primary source quotes and real-life events helps students make concrete connections to the principles of the Constitution. This resource is perfect for middle and high school Civics, American Government, and American History students.

Compatible with the Florida State Standard for Middle School Civics:

• Standard 3: Demonstrate an understanding of the principles, functions, and organization of government. 

This Seven Principles of the Constitution Newspaper Headlines Activity includes:

✯ The two-page Principles of the Constitution Newspaper Headlines Activity. 

Each historical or contemporary newspaper headline relates to a principle from the Constitution. For each example, students identify which principle applies and matchthe event to a quotation from the Constitution. Students then explain the connection in 1-2 sentences using specific evidence from the quote and event.

The Seven Constitutional Principles covered in this scenarios activity:

• Checks and Balances
• Separation of Powers
• Limited Government
• Popular Sovereignty
• Individual Rights
• Federalism
• Republicanism

An example of the newspaper headlines included:

• Obama Signs the Affordable Care Act: “On March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed into law the Affordable Care Act, one of the largest pieces of healthcare reform in U.S. history. President Obama signed the bill after the legislation passed in the Senate by a 60–39 vote.” 
  
  This newspaper headline relates to the Constitutional principle Separation of Powers. The example shows the Congress passing a piece of legislation that only becomes law once the President signs it, demonstrating the different responsibilities of the separate branches of government.

There are seven newspaper headlines provided, each relating to one of the Constitutional principles listed above. 

✯ A Constitutional Quotations Sheet (two sets provided per page). Students cut-and-paste these primary source quotes next to the newspaper headlines that relate to the same Constitutional principle. A word bank is provided beneath the quotations. 

An example of the Constitutional quotations provided:

• “Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States…” Article I, Section 7
  
  This quote relates to Separation of Powers and connects to the example of former President Obama signing the Affordable Care Act above. Students would paste this quote next to the newspaper headline relating to the same Constitutional principle and explain the connection between the two. 

✯ A one-page Principles of the Constitution Help Sheet for extra guidance!

In this Principles of the Constitution in Action Newspaper Headlines resource, students must think critically and make real connections between the principles of the Constitution, real life examples, and primary source quotations. I hope it really helps hammer home the meaning and real-life applications of the principles of the Constitution for your students!

This resource is presented as a non-editable, printable PDF. It includes answer keys.

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