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First California Constitution — Reading Comprehension

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HSS 4.3.5
RH.6-8.1

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This engaging history reading passage explores the creation of the First California Constitution in 1849, a pivotal event during America's Westward Expansion. Students will learn how 48 delegates met at a constitutional convention in Monterey to write California's founding document. The passage explains how the constitution established a new government, granted citizen rights, and banned slavery, shaping the state's future. Included are glossary terms, a simplified differentiated version, and a full Spanish translation. Activities assess comprehension through multiple-choice questions, writing prompts, and graphic organizers, all aligned to HSS 4.3.5 and RH.6-8.1. The resource also provides a timeline of key events and a relevant public domain image. This passage is ideal for building literacy and historical thinking skills, and features a read aloud audio as well as Spanish translation to support diverse learners. Keywords include California Constitution, Westward Expansion, governance, and founding document.

CONTENT PREVIEW

California Constitution 1849 title page — California Constitutional Convention of 1849 / Wikimedia Commons

The first California Constitution was written in 1849. Forty-eight delegates from many backgrounds met in Monterey. Their goal was to create a plan of government for California. At this time, California was changing quickly because of the Gold Rush.

The delegates held a constitutional convention. They met in Colton Hall, a large building in Monterey. Some delegates spoke English and others spoke Spanish. They worked together for six weeks. They discussed many important issues. They wanted to make sure the new government would be fair for everyone.

One of the most important decisions was to ban slavery. The delegates agreed that California would be a free state. This was an important step. It showed that the new state valued freedom and rights for all people.

The constitution also set up a system of governance. It created three branches of government: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. The executive branch would be led by a governor. The legislative branch would make laws. The judicial branch would decide if laws were fair. This system helped prevent any one group from having too much power.

The delegates wrote about the rights of citizens. They said that everyone had the right to a fair trial and to own property. The constitution also set rules for voting. Only men over 21 could vote at that time. These rights and rules helped shape the future of California.

On October 13, 1849, the delegates signed the constitution. Soon after, California became a state in the United States. The constitution they wrote is still an important part of California's history. It helped guide the state as it grew and changed.

Interesting Fact: The entire constitution was written in both English and Spanish, so everyone could understand the new laws and rights.

When was California's first constitution written?

1849177618501865

Where did the delegates meet?

Colton HallCapitol HillSacramentoLos Angeles

How many delegates wrote the constitution?

481310021

Why did the delegates ban slavery?

To value freedomTo get more goldTo make new lawsTo help the governor

What did the constitution set up?

Three branches of governmentA gold mineA new cityOnly one leader

Why was the constitution written in two languages?