|
Constitution Day 2010 & Arizona Immigration Law
Don't have SIRS access? Sign up for a free 30-day trial and the links below will function.
SIRS Knowledge Source®
Promoting the education and awareness of the history and tenets of the U.S. Constitution
Following the Revolutionary War, the United States of America was in need of a strong national government. The eight-year struggle for independence had weakened states' abilities to enforce laws, collect taxes, pay debts, negotiate power and regulate trade.
So in 1787, the new country's political leaders met at a constitutional convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to amend the Articles of Confederation, the nation's first governing document. But rather than revise the existing document, the delegates decided to draft a new one. What emerged was the Constitution of the United States, a landmark text that outlines the fundamental principles of U.S. government at both the national and state levels.
On September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed by 39 delegates from 12 states. That day is now celebrated each year as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and the week of September 17 is annually proclaimed as Constitution Week.
Explore the history, principles and impact of the U.S. Constitution; learn about the responsibilities of citizenship; and explore court cases that have expanded or curtailed constitutional amendments in the SKS Spotlight of the Month honoring Constitution Week. SIRS editor-selected, school-appropriate articles and Web sites include:
ARTICLES
1. Who Owns the First Amendment?
2. Supreme Court: Law School Not Obliged to Recognize Christian Group
3. Protect Petition Signers
4. Felons Can't Vote, and That's Fair
5. High Court Endorses Federal Power
WEB SITE
Constitution of the United States: A History
Read more articles from our Spotlights by logging on to our SIRS Knowledge Source® feature page. Note that the new month's content will not appear until the first of the new month.
SIRS Discoverer®
The recent passage of a tough new immigration enforcement law in Arizona has heated up the national debate over the best way to deal with illegal immigrants.
Some people say the law is an important tool to track down lawbreakers, while others say it unfairly targets people based only on their appearance.
This editorial cartoon from SIRS Discoverer connects the current battle over illegal immigration with events from the U.S.'s past. Study the cartoon, and then answer the questions.
Article(s) | Site(s)
"Crossing the Line," Current Events, May 10, 2010
Related Photo/Multimedia
Cartoon: Arizona Immigration Law
Question
What do you think is the cartoonist's opinion about the Arizona immigration law?
a. in favor
b. against
c. no opinion
Challenge
How does the scene in this cartoon illustrate a point of view in the current debate about illegal immigration?
Read more
articles from the Spotlight of the Month by logging on to SIRS Discoverer®.
Monthly Events, Holidays & Rememberances
- Labor Day—Kids Work Too!
Source: Kids' Turn Central
"The first weekend in September marks the end of the summer for many people as we celebrate Labor Day. For most of you school will begin if it hasn't already. The fun and relaxation of summer is over - time to buckle down, hit the books and settle in for winter." (KIDS' TURN CENTRAL) Learn about Labor Day celebrations for kids.
- Constitution Day
Source: National Constitution Center (NCC)
"On Sept. 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed by thirty-nine brave men who changed the course of history. Now Constitution Day is a time for us to continue their legacy and develop habits of citizenship in a new generation of Americans." (NCC) Find a wealth of resources to help you celebrate Constitution Day.
- Rosh Hashanah Basics
Source: Tracey R. Rich
"Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, head of the year or first of the year. Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year." (TRACEY R. RICH) Read about this important holiday of introspection.
Spotlight of the Month topics are selected mainly from
Chase's Calendar of Events. Articles are also accessible within the main database and remain in our SIRS newsletter archives for one year.
|
