Government of the Cherokee Nation in 1827

Start with the Cherokee government sheet so students see the nation's own institutions, then the removal organizer. Use the treaty sheet to carry the story onto the Plains.

Label the three branches of the 1827 Cherokee constitution and compare its judges' terms. The directions on the page read: Read the passage. Then answer item 1. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade Westward Expansion and Trails, 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.

Section 1 set aside land west of the Mississippi for nations that chose to exchange their lands, and Section 8 gave $500,000 to carry it out. Students compare this wording with what happened to the Cherokee.

Its constitution divided power into legislative, executive and judicial branches. Voters in eight districts elected two houses, which chose a principal chief for a four year term.

The 1868 treaty protected Lakota land, but after a gold report in 1874 the land was taken. Students trace this and the 1980 court ruling on the treaty sheet.