Theme: Constitutional Change

Directions: Write a well-organized essay that includes an introduction, several paragraphs addressing the task below, and a conclusion.

Amendments to the United States Constitution have changed our government and our society.

Task:

Identify two amendments to the United States Constitution and for each:

• Discuss the historical circumstances that led to the adoption of the amendment
• Discuss how the amendment changed the United States government and/or American society

You may use any constitutional amendment from your study of United States history. Some suggestions you might wish to consider include the 1st Amendment — personal freedoms (1791), 15th amendment — right to vote (1870), 16th Amendment — income tax (1913), 17th Amendment — election of senators (1913), 18th
Amendment — Prohibition (1919), 19th Amendment — suffrage (1920), or 22nd Amendment — term limits (1951).  You are not limited to these suggestions.

Guidelines:

In your essay, be sure to

• Address all aspects of the Task.
• Support the theme with relevant facts, examples, and details.
• Use a logical and clear plan of organization.
• Include an introduction and a conclusion that are beyond a simple restatement of the Theme.