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Grade 2 History and Social Studies Week 4 | Student Textbook

Grade 2 | HISTORY AND SOCIAL STUDIES

WEEK 4 • STUDENT TEXTBOOK • DAYS 16–20

Read each lesson with a parent or teacher and study the worked example. Then answer the questions for that day in the Week 4 Practice Workbook.

Week 4 Student Textbook | Week 4 Practice Workbook | Week 4 Teacher Guide | Week 3 Student Textbook | Week 5 Student Textbook | Grade 2 index

Day 16: The Declaration of Independence

Over time, many colonists did not want to be ruled by the king of Great Britain. On July 4, 1776, leaders from the 13 colonies approved the Declaration of Independence. It said the colonies were free and independent states.

The Declaration names important ideals. It says that all men are created equal and that people have rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Liberty means freedom.

Worked example: What does the word liberty mean?

  1. Find liberty in the lesson.
  2. The lesson says liberty means freedom.

Worked answer: Freedom.

Day 17: The Constitution

After winning independence, the new nation needed a plan for its government. In 1787, leaders wrote the Constitution of the United States. It is the highest law of the land.

The Constitution begins with the words We the People. This means the government gets its power from the people. The Constitution sets up how leaders are chosen and what the government may and may not do.

Worked example: What are the first three words of the Constitution?

  1. Find the beginning words in the lesson.
  2. The Constitution begins with We the People.

Worked answer: We the People.

Day 18: Our Rights

A right is a freedom that belongs to every person. In 1791, the first ten changes, or amendments, to the Constitution were added. They are called the Bill of Rights.

The Bill of Rights protects freedoms such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and the right of people to gather peacefully.

Worked example: What is the Bill of Rights?

  1. Find the term in the lesson.
  2. It is the first ten amendments to the Constitution.

Worked answer: The first ten amendments to the Constitution.

Day 19: Our Responsibilities

A responsibility is something a citizen should do. Citizens have rights, and they also have responsibilities.

Responsibilities include obeying laws, respecting the rights of others, telling the truth, helping the community, and, for adults, voting and serving on a jury. Even children practice citizenship by following rules and helping others.

Worked example: Is waiting your turn in line a right or a responsibility?

  1. A right is a freedom you have.
  2. A responsibility is something you should do for others.
  3. Waiting your turn respects other people.

Worked answer: A responsibility.

Day 20: Independent Check: Founding Documents

Today you will read new information and answer on your own.

Use what you learned this week: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, rights and responsibilities.

Worked example: What does the Declaration of Independence say about how people are created?

  1. Remember the ideals from Day 16.
  2. It says all men are created equal.

Worked answer: That all men are created equal.

Week 4 Student Textbook | Week 4 Practice Workbook | Week 4 Teacher Guide | Week 3 Student Textbook | Week 5 Student Textbook | Grade 2 index