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The 1879 California Constitution

Interactive passage with audio narration, comprehension questions, and printable PDF.

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Format: Interactive (Online), Printable (PDF)
Grades: 345
Subjects: historyela
Standards: HSS 4.5.1RH.6-8.2
Languages: English, Spanish

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What's included

Reading passage

Reading comprehension

Audio narration

With word word highlighting

Comprehension quiz

Auto-graded

Writing activity

Open-ended response

Glossary & flashcards

Vocabulary practice

Differentiated version

Adapted for varied levels

Spanish translation

Bilingual support

About this reader

This reading passage explores the significance of the 1879 California Constitution, explaining why California adopted a new constitution during the Progressive Era. Students will learn about the issues of railroad monopolies, the rise of constitutional reform, and the unfair treatment of Chinese immigrants through anti-Chinese provisions. The passage highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between public concerns and government actions, demonstrating how the new constitution reflected both progress in government regulation and prejudice against certain groups. Key vocabulary words are highlighted and defined in a glossary for student understanding. The passage includes a Spanish translation, a simplified differentiated version, and comprehension activities. It also offers a timeline and graphic organizers to support student learning and analysis. This history reading passage includes read aloud audio and aligns with history and Common Core standards HSS 4.5.1 and RH.6-8.2.

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

Sample passage and quiz content

CONTENT PREVIEW

People gather around a table, one person holding a scroll triumphantly. — Artist Representation of a new constitution brings hope for change in California.

The 1879 California Constitution was a turning point in the state's history. People in California wanted change. The original constitution from 1849 no longer fit the changing needs of the state. By the late 1800s, California had grown quickly. New problems needed new solutions.

One major concern was the power of the railroad companies. The Central Pacific Railroad was very powerful. It controlled much of California's transport and trade. Many people believed the railroad had too much influence on the government. They worried it hurt small businesses and made prices unfair. Citizens wanted the government to control what the railroad could do. This push for regulation was a big reason for the new constitution.

Many Californians also feared losing jobs to Chinese immigrant workers. Chinese workers helped build the railroads and worked in fields and cities. But prejudice grew among some groups. They blamed Chinese workers for low wages and job competition. The new constitution responded to this by including discriminatory provisions. These rules made it hard for Chinese people to get jobs or live freely in California. This was an example of unfair treatment called discrimination.

In 1878, leaders called a convention to write a new constitution. Many people attended. Some wanted more rights and protections for workers. Others wanted strict rules against Chinese immigrants. After months of debate, the new constitution was approved by voters in 1879. It brought more government control over railroads. It also included unfair rules against Chinese people. Some changes helped the state grow. Others caused pain for people who were treated unfairly.

The 1879 California Constitution showed both progress and prejudice. It solved some problems and created others. Over time, California changed many of its unfair laws. Today, the constitution reminds us of the importance of fair rules for all people.

Interesting Fact: California's 1879 constitution was one of the longest in the world at the time, with over 20,000 words.

When was the new California Constitution approved?

1879184918891899

Which company had too much power?

Central Pacific RailroadGold Mining CoPacific TelephoneOcean Shipping

What group faced unfair rules?

Chinese immigrantsIrish settlersFarmersTeachers

Why did people want regulation of railroads?

To make prices fairTo build more schoolsTo raise gold pricesTo help teachers

What did the constitution do for workers?

Offered more rightsBuilt new roadsLowered taxesClosed businesses

How did the constitution treat Chinese immigrants?