The Magna Carta and the Constitution Activities: Oklahoma Law Day

The Magna Carta or the “Great Charter” was signed on June 15, 1215 by King John of England. ... was deeply influenced by the Magna Carta, which establ...

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OBA Law Day Lesson 2

The Magna Carta and the Constitution The Magna Carta or the “Great Charter” was signed on June 15, 1215 by King John of England. In 1789, 574 years later, the U.S. Constitution became the United States’ central governing document. The Constitution was deeply influenced by the Magna Carta, which established the foundation for many American fundamental liberties and Constitutional rights, such as the right to a fair trial and having a nation governed by the rule of law. It is important for Americans to understand the rights and freedoms guaranteed to us by the Constitution. It is also important to recognize that the rights we may take for granted are not available to many people throughout the world. Many people still struggle to gain the right of free speech, religion, and to vote in democratic elections.

Activities: • Discuss the Constitution in class. Discuss why it is important that we have a document that sets out the rules for each branch of our federal government. • Read the Bill of Rights (the first ten constitutional amendments) aloud. Ask students to choose one guaranteed right and write a paragraph or short essay about how it affects his or her everyday life.

Oklahoma Law Day 2015 The theme for this year’s celebration of Law Day is “Foundations of the Law: The Magna Carta and Beyond.” Law Day is the annual nationwide celebration of the importance of law and the legal process. First conceived by Wewoka, Okla., attorney Hicks Epton, President Eisenhower formally recognized Law Day in a 1958 presidential proclamation.

TEACHERS: Take advantage of the Law Day writing and art contests for students Pre-K - 12th grade! The submission deadline is Jan. 16, 2015.

For more information, visit www.okbar.org/public/outreach/LawDay

Look for the next Law Day discussion topic and activity plan on Monday, Oct. 13, 2014!