California's First Constitution: Rules for a New State — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.6.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This U.S. History reading passage explores how California became a state and created its first constitution after the Mexican-American War. Students learn about the events leading to California's statehood in 1850, the impact of the Gold Rush, and the work of leaders who met in Monterey to write new rules for the state. The passage is written in clear, grade-appropriate language, with bolded glossary words to support vocabulary development. It includes a timeline of key events, multiple choice quiz, writing activities, and a Spanish translation. The content aligns with C3 Framework and Common Core standards, making it ideal for building reading and history skills. A public domain image and a coloring page prompt are included to further engage students. Read aloud audio is available, making this resource accessible for all learners.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"California Constitution 1849 title page" by California Constitutional Convention of 1849 / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

In 1848, the United States and Mexico ended the war called the Mexican-American War. The land that became California was now part of the United States. Many people rushed to California in search of gold. This was called the Gold Rush.

By 1849, California had many new people. They needed rules to live by. People wanted to decide how their state would be run. Leaders called a convention in Monterey. There, men from different backgrounds met to write a constitution. This was a set of rules and laws for everyone in California.

The convention began in September 1849. Forty-eight men met in Colton Hall, a large white building in Monterey. Some were Americans. Some were from Mexico. They worked together to share ideas. They wanted to make sure the rules were fair for everyone. One leader, William Gwin, said, "We must make a government that will protect all people."

The delegates discussed many important topics. They talked about who could vote and own land. They also talked about whether California should allow slavery. In the end, they decided that slavery would not be allowed. This was a big decision. It showed that California would be a free state.

After weeks of meetings, the men agreed on their new constitution. They wrote the rules in both English and Spanish. This helped everyone understand the laws. In October 1849, the people of California voted to accept the constitution. The vote was "Yes." California sent the new rules to the United States Congress.

On September 9, 1850, Congress accepted California as the 31st state. The new constitution helped bring order. It gave people a way to choose their leaders and make new laws. California was now part of the United States.

Interesting Fact: California’s first constitution was written in two languages—English and Spanish—to include all its people.

When did the Mexican-American War end?

1848185018491836

Where did the constitutional convention take place?

San FranciscoLos AngelesMontereySacramento

Who could NOT own land in California’s new rules?

People from MexicoWomen and childrenPeople with goldNot stated in passage

Why did leaders meet in Monterey?

To find goldTo write state rulesTo elect a presidentTo fight a battle

What did the leaders decide about slavery?

It would be allowedIt would be bannedOnly some people could have slavesThey made no decision

How did the constitution help California?