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New Nation America — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

HSS 5.6.1
RI.4.2

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This history reading passage, 'New Nation America,' covers how the United States struggled to become a united country after the American Revolution. Students will learn about the problems the thirteen original states faced, such as different laws and money, and how leaders worked to create a stronger national government. The passage highlights important vocabulary and uses concrete examples to help students understand the concepts of unity, compromise, and national identity. It is designed to build literacy skills while teaching foundational history knowledge. Activities include a glossary, timeline, comprehension questions, writing prompts, and graphic organizers to support learning. The passage aligns with standards HSS 5.6.1 and RI.4.2 and includes both read aloud audio and a Spanish translation, making it accessible for a range of learners.

CONTENT PREVIEW

[Signing the Declaration of Independence].
Source: Library of Congress - Library of Congress

The United States became a new country after winning the Revolutionary War in 1783. The war was hard, but making one nation from thirteen different states was even harder. Each state had its own laws, money, and ways of doing things. The states wanted to keep their independence because they were used to making their own choices. But to be strong, they needed to work together as one country.

After the war, the states created the Articles of Confederation. This was the first plan for a national government. The Articles gave most of the power to the states and made a weak national government. Congress could not collect taxes or make strong laws. This caused many problems. For example, states argued about borders and trade. Sometimes, they even made their own deals with other countries.

Leaders like George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin saw that the country needed a better plan. In 1787, they met in Philadelphia at the Constitutional Convention. They talked and argued for months. In the end, they wrote the United States Constitution. This new plan made a stronger national government with three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Each branch had its own job.

But not everyone agreed right away. Many people worried that the new government would be too strong. To help everyone agree, the leaders promised to add a Bill of Rights. This is a list of important rights for the people. In 1789, the Constitution and Bill of Rights were accepted.

Building unity was not easy. The states had to learn to work together. They gave up some of their independence to build a stronger country. This helped America become the United States—one nation with many states.

Interesting Fact: The first U.S. flag had thirteen stars and thirteen stripes—one for each original state.

When did the Revolutionary War end?

1783177617871789

What was the first plan of government?

Articles of ConfederationDeclaration of IndependenceBill of RightsEmancipation Proclamation

Who was NOT at the Constitutional Convention?

George WashingtonJames MadisonBenjamin FranklinAbraham Lincoln

Why did states keep their own laws?

They wanted independenceThey liked British ruleThey had no leadersThey wanted new money

What problem did the Articles cause?

States argued and made own dealsToo much tradeNo leadersToo many taxes

Why was the Bill of Rights added?