Ancient Civilizations and the United States Constitution (Constitution Day Lesson Plan)
Grade/subject: 9th Grade (Freshmen), World History
Unit Topic: Ancient Civilizations
Standards:
Social Studies
S2C2PO2. Analyze the development and historical significance of Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism,
Christianity, and Islam.
S2C2PO3. Analyze the enduring Greek and Roman contributions and their impact on later civilization:
a. development of concepts of government and citizenship (e.g., democracy, republics, codification of law, and
development of empire)
b. scientific and cultural advancements (e.g., network of roads, aqueducts, art and architecture, literature and
theater, mathematics, and philosophy)
S2C2PO4. Analyze the enduring Chinese contributions and their impact on other civilizations:
a. development of concepts of government and citizenship (e.g., Confucianism, empire)
b. scientific, mathematical, and technical advances (e.g., roads, aqueducts)
c. cultural advancements in art, architecture, literature, theater, and philosophy,
S2C3PO1. Contrast the fall of Rome with the development of the Byzantine and Arab Empires (e.g., religion,
culture, language, governmental structure).
S2C3PO3. Compare the development of empires (e.g., Roman, Han, Mali, Incan/Inkan, Ottoman) throughout
the world
Common Core
9-10.RH.4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary
describing political, social, or economic aspects of history/social studies.
Materials:
1. Notes from previous lesson about ancient civilizations
2. Preamble to the Constitution Worksheet and questions
3. Large sheets of butcher paper (or 8.5x14 sheets of paper if butcher paper is not available)
4. Markers/colored pens/pencils, etc.
Technology:
None
Homework:
None- but depends on where we are in the semester and what is coming up next- could be notes form the text
book or could be a reading to prepare them for the next stage in the semester.
Objective: SWBAT compare the values of the United States when it was being founded to the values of the
ancient civilizations they have already learned about (Bloom’s level, Analysis).
Sub-Objectives
Teaching Strategies
Write on the board for students to
get out their prior notes about
ancient civilizations- they will need
to provide specific examples from
these during class today.
SWBAT describe what makes the
Give the students about 5-7
United States a civilization based
minutes to complete their writing,
on their previous knowledge about then call on 2-3 students to share
the six pillars of a civilization
their answers (call on some
(Bloom’s Level, Comprehension).
volunteers as well as nonvolunteers).
SWBAT assess the values of the
Hand out the preamble worksheet.
United States and provide examples Depending on class dynamics
of where they think these values
either have them read it silently or
came from based on their reading
read it out loud to go over any
of the Preamble of the Constitution words they might not know.
and their prior knowledge of
ancient civilizations (Bloom’s
Level, Evaluation).
SWBAT compare the values of the This is a review technique as well
United States when it was being
as a comparison to allow them to
founded to the values of the ancient think of these civilizations in a
civilizations they have already
different light. Walk around the
learned about (Bloom’s level,
room to see what students are
Analysis).
writing and to provide suggestions.
These will stay in the room as
examples of student work.
Active Student Participation
Bell work: What are some of the
things that make the United States a
“civilization?” Remember the six
pillars of a civilization. Provide
examples.
After reading the Preamble, have
the students answer the questions
on the worksheet. Then have a
class discussion about answers.
Students will write similarities on
the butcher (or big sheets of paper)
between the ancient civilizations
and the United States.
Directions:
1. Tell the students to have their notes out from previous lessons on ancient civilizations- this includes
notes they took from home as well as any worksheets that have been passed back to them.
2. Bell work:
a. What are some of the things that make the United States a “civilization?” Provide specific
examples.
b. Remember the 6 pillars of a civilization
c. Follow up question: Was the United States (in 1787) “more civilized” than the ancient
civilizations we have been learning about? Provide examples.
3. Preamble Worksheet
a. Hand out the preamble worksheet. Depending on class dynamics either have them read it silently
or read it out loud to go over any words they might not know- this will help to generate
discussion on the meaning of words and how others many interpret them.
i. Examples: What could general welfare mean? Welfare as in the welfare system present
today, or welfare as in making sure everything is relatively calm? Is justice the same
everywhere?
b. Students will then read and answer the questions silently- follow up with a class discussion about
their answers. Have the students highlight the part of the Preamble they think is the most
important- have them write in the margin why they picked this.
i. Follow up questions:
1. Are there any ideas in the Preamble that are new or original? What does this tell
you about the Founding Fathers and their values?
2. What is your definition of a “successful” civilization- superior military; free
education system; everyone has their basic necessities met?
3. Is there only one civilization that could be deemed successful based on the
Preamble?
4. Examples of expectations to answers on Constitution worksheet:
a. Babylonia was successful because of Hammurabi’s code because this
code allowed for the establishment of justice.
b. The Aryan society of ancient India was most successful because of
their caste system because it made sure that all of it’s citizens were
provided for, which can relate to general welfare.
Name: ____________________________________________________ Pd: _____ Date: ___________
Preamble to the Constitution
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more
perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility,
provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and
secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves, and our posterity,
do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States
of America.
Vocabulary
Tranquility: Calmness, peacefulness
Posterity: future generations
Ordain: to enact or establish by law
1. Which Ancient Civilization do you think was the most successful? Why?
2. List three instances where Ancient Civilizations (either one or multiple) seemed to follow the
principles of the Preamble.
a.
b.
c.
3. Which civilization was most successful according to the principles laid out in the preamble? Why?
4. Is there something that is not stated in the Preamble but that one (or more) Ancient Civilizations
provided for their people? Do you think this is significant? Why or why not?
5. If you were founding a country, what are some things you would write down as a promise for
future generations? In the space below write your own Preamble.