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Justice Sotomayor & The Supreme Court
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Find the accompanying article here.
National Standards for Civics and Government (Center for Civic Education) Standard 3: Principles of Democracy. How Does the Government Established by the Constitution Embody the Purposes, Values, and Principles of American Democracy? What is the place of law in the American constitutional system?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
In this article, students will learn about:
• The significance of Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s appointment to the Supreme Court.
• The role of the Supreme Court in upholding the laws and principles of the Constitution.
PRE-READING:
Have students copy a KWHL chart from the board with the topic: Sonia Sotomayor. Label the columns K (What I know) – W (What I want to know) – H (How I can find out) – L (What I learned). Allow a few minutes for students to jot their thoughts and questions in the first three columns.
DURING READING:
Have students read the article aloud, by asking for reading volunteers or choosing a reader for each paragraph. Pause after each paragraph to have a different student summarize the paragraph’s main point. Also, give students a moment to add to their KWHL chart if applicable.
AFTER READING:
Give students a few minutes to revise and complete their charts. Then have students do a timed writing exercise in which they have five minutes to write what they learned either about Sotomayor or about the role and functions of the Supreme Court.
ESSENTIAL QUESTION:
How can a new justice affect the Supreme Court?
TALKING POINTS
• What are the main jobs of the Supreme Court?
• How does the Supreme Court reach its decisions?
• Why is Justice Sotomayor’s appointment to the Court historic?
ANSWERS TO READERS RESPOND
1. What is significant about October 5th?
Justice Sotomayor begins her term as Supreme Court justice on that day, which happens to fall during Hispanic Heritage Month. Since Sotomayor is the first Hispanic justice, it is a nice coincidence for her to start her term during this month.
2. Describe how the Supreme Court fulfills its role.
As the nation’s highest court, the Supreme Court hears cases to determine if the laws being tested by a case are in agreement with the Constitution.
3. Assess the significance of traditions on the Supreme Court.
Possible answer: Traditions develop over time; they show that a group of people has historical importance. When the Supreme Court holds on to traditions, it is a way of honoring their position in American history.
