Learning Objectives
- Analyze Supreme Court cases that have interpreted the 1st and 8th Amendments
- Explain the role of the Supreme Court in interpreting the Constitution
- Recognize that applying the Constitution to specific situations requires being able to interpret the Constitution
Overview
What does it mean to interpret the Constitution? Why is interpretation necessary? Who gets to do it? In this WebQuest, students explore the answers to these questions and more. Using examples from the First and Eighth Amendments, students try their own hand at interpreting sticky situations—and compare their findings to actual Supreme Court opinions.
** This WebQuest was formerly called “You Be the Judge.” It has been updated to offer students a deeper look at the Supreme Court's role interpreting the Constitution and to better complement our lesson “Interpreting the Constitution.” You do not need to have taught the lesson to assign this WebQuest.