How to write the Regents US History civic literacy essay
Six documents on one constitutional or civic issue. Answer a short question on each, then write an essay that describes the historical circumstances, explains efforts to address the issue, and discusses how far those efforts succeeded or what their impact was.
| Short responses | Six, one on each document, 1 credit each |
|---|---|
| Essay | 5-point rubric, weighted by 3 |
| Essay tasks | Circumstances, efforts, extent of success or impact |
| Here | Practiced in parts, each read by Mia |
The three essay tasks
- Describe the historical circumstances surrounding the constitutional or civic issue.
- Explain efforts by individuals, groups and/or governments to address it.
- Discuss the extent to which the efforts were successful, or their impact on the United States and/or American society.
Use the documents and what you know
Draw on several of the documents and add relevant outside information: a law, a court case, a movement, with its date.
Next step
Questions people ask
What counts as a constitutional or civic issue?
A question about rights, the powers of government, or how citizens take part: for example equal protection, voting rights or the limits of federal power.