The Writing of the Constitution / 7 Principles Reading Passages

Address a variety of learning styles with reading passages that also contain embedded video links! These passages are specifically designed to accompany my Writing of the Constitution Interactive Notes, but are versatile and useful in conjunction with many other resources. These pages are easy to print-and-go OR send to your students to view through Google Classroom. If you find that your textbook is too wordy, this resource will be perfect for you!

This download contains 7 one-page reading passages covering the major topics for the The Writing of the Constitution unit of U.S. History, listed below. Each page contains leveled text that targets a 7th-8th grade reading level.

1. The Articles of Confederation
2. The Constitutional Convention
3. The Need for Compromise
4. Ratification of the Constitution
5. The Principles of the Constitution
6. The Principles of the Constitution (continued)
7. The Bill of Rights

To enhance comprehension, students can follow the embedded links to watch an appropriate video carefully chosen to align with each topic. Each video is accessible through a clickable link (if viewing digitally) and a QR code (if using a printed copy). (All videos are publicly available on YouTube, published by reputable sources, and have been used in my own classroom. However, please screen prior to use with your students. I do not own rights to any of the videos.)

Please note that these readings are aligned strictly with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for 8th Grade Social Studies. Well-rounded history instruction will most certainly require further student inquiry and discussion on the more complex topics and events.

Other reading passages like these are available for the following units:

• Exploration & Colonization Reading Passages
• American Revolution Reading Passages
• The Early Republic & Age of Jackson Reading Passages
• Industrialization, Westward Expansion, & Reform Reading Passages
• The Civil War & Reconstruction Reading Passages

• U.S. History Reading Passages BUNDLE