Enlightenment Sources of the Founding Documents
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Enlightenment Sources of the Founding Documents" is written for 8th Grade (Ages 13-14), and it covers C3 Framework D2.Civ.8.6-8. A 7th grader who is already steady on Declaration and Founding Documents can use it too, and an older student can use it as a short review.
2 pages in this set
8th grade social studies worksheet: match Constitution and Bill of Rights clauses to excerpts from Locke, Montesquieu and Beccaria. Answer key included. Part of our founding documents collection. Aligned to C3 Framework standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Start with the Declaration, then the Enlightenment matching. Use the Confederation sheets and the Northwest Ordinance before moving on to the Constitution.
What students will practice
- Students will read six Enlightenment excerpts by writers such as John Locke and Montesquieu.
- Students will match clauses of the Constitution and Bill of Rights to the excerpt each echoes.
- Students will explain how Enlightenment ideas shaped the founding documents.
Curriculum Links
C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards
Social Studies · 8th Grade
Find this in the curriculum
Browse the grade, subject, and topic this belongs to.
FAQ
How do I use this founding documents worksheet?
⌄
Start with the Declaration, then the Enlightenment matching. Use the Confederation sheets and the Northwest Ordinance before moving on to the Constitution.
What does this worksheet teach?
⌄
Match Constitution and Bill of Rights clauses to excerpts from Locke, Montesquieu and Beccaria. The directions on the page read: Read the six excerpts. Then match each clause on page 2 to the excerpt it echoes. An answer key is included.
Can I use this founding documents worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
⌄
Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade Declaration and Founding Documents, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.
What does consent of the governed mean?
⌄
It means a government gets its just powers from the people it governs. The Declaration's second paragraph uses it to explain why people may alter or abolish a government that destroys their rights.
How were the Articles and the Constitution different?
⌄
Under the Articles each state had one vote and the states laid and levied the taxes. The Constitution gave Congress the power to lay and collect taxes and set up one supreme Court.
What did Montesquieu say about power?
⌄
He wrote that when the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person or body, there can be no liberty. The matching sheet links this to the separate branches in the Constitution.
Ratings & Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share what you think.
Reviews are for ClassWeekly members.
Make a Request
Spotted something to fix, or want a worksheet we don't have yet? Tell us and we'll make it.
Worksheet Details
| Grade | 8th Grade |
| Subject | Social Studies |
| Topic | Declaration and Founding Documents |
| Standard | D2.Civ.8.6-8 |
| Pages | 2 pages |
| Difficulty | Medium |
What is ClassWeekly?
ClassWeekly offers free worksheets and printable learning resources for kids, from preschool up. All worksheets are aligned to Common Core, NGSS, and C3 Framework standards and designed by educators. Become a member to access the full library and download unlimited PDFs.