This Preamble to the Constitution Annotated Close Read lets students dive deeper into the language and purpose of the Preamble. Aligned to the Florida State Standard for Middle School Civics, SS.7.CG.1.8 Preamble of the U.S. Constitution, students read through the Preamble, answering questions along the margins, which ask the students to define key terms, rewrite key concepts, and apply the goals of government listed in the Preamble to government actions today. Doing a close read challenges students to read a historic primary source, while the margin notes guide them through a deeper understanding. Suitable for middle and high school students in Civics, American Government, or American History!
This resource includes:
✯ Preamble Annotated Close Read
- As they read through the Preamble, students highlight each of the six goals of government listed.
- Wide line spacing allows students to annotate the Preamble with their own notes.
- A “Big Idea” question asks students to rewrite the six goals of government in their own words, demonstrating their comprehension of the text.
- Questions printed in the margins ask students to look closer at the text.
Margin questions include:
- What does it mean to “form a more perfect Union”?
- Which goal of government might a national court system fulfill?
- Rewrite “secure the Blessings of Liberty to our posterity” in your own words.
✯ An Answer Key makes your grading easier!
If you want to present your kids with a challenging primary source text in an accessible way, this Annotated Close Read might be for you! For more American History, Civics, and Government-related Close Reads, check out the links below!
This resource comes as a non-editable printable PDF and includes an Answer Key. There is also a digital version available through TPT Easel, which can be assigned directly to Google Classroom or shared with your students via a link!
What other teachers are saying about this resource:
“Straightforward & easy to use”
I liked the questions that came with the Preamble. I tweaked the activity a little to use with my students & it was straightforward & easy to use. I used it with both in-class & remote students in my hybrid classroom.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Elizabeth Morgan
“Thank you”
I used this for close reading work with my fifth graders. Then I assigned the Schoolhouse Rock video. It was much more meaningful as a result. Thank you.
★ ★ ★ ★
— Laurie P.
“Loved using this”
Loved using this with my students. They were engaged.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
— Jennifer M.
More Happy Teacher Products You Might Enjoy:
✩ “We the People” Preamble to the Constitution One-Pager Activity
✩ Preamble to the Constitution Scenario Match: Practice for Civics & History!
✩ Preamble to the Constitution Activity – Government In Action
Become a happy teacher — join the email list!
Never miss a new product or a sale by signing up for an email subscription! I send monthly emails recapping new products, updates, and upcoming sales.
You can also follow Happy Teacher Resources on social media: Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest
