Democracy in Action: Understanding Judicial Review

Empower your students to grasp the core principle of Judicial Review! This engaging reading comprehension worksheet dives into this cornerstone of American democracy, exploring how it checks the power of other branches and safeguards the Constitution.

What's Included?

• A clear and engaging reading: Explains judicial review, its role in checks and balances, and how it protects individual rights.
• Primary Source Analysis: Students analyze an excerpt from Marbury v. Madison, a landmark case establishing judicial review.
• Real-World Examples: Historical cases like Brown v. Board of Education showcase the impact of judicial review on American society.
• Assessment Questions: Multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blank, and short answer questions test comprehension and critical thinking.
• Detailed Answer Key: Saves you time and ensures accurate grading!

Learning Objectives:

• Students will define judicial review and explain its significance in the American government.
• Students will analyze how judicial review contributes to a system of checks and balances.
• Students will identify how judicial review can be used to check the power of the legislative and executive branches.
• Students will evaluate the historical context and ongoing debates surrounding judicial review.
• Students will analyze a primary source to understand the legal basis for judicial review.

Common Core State Standards Alignment:

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.1 Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. (6th Grade)
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. (7th Grade)
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. (8th Grade)
• SS.7.C.2.2. Explain the role of the federal court system, including the Supreme Court, in interpreting laws and resolving disputes.

This resource is perfect for:

• Civics or Social Studies classes
• Units on the American government and the judicial branch
• Discussions on checks and balances, the Constitution, and individual rights

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