4. Reading Founding Documents on the GED®
GED® Social Studies: Constitutional Principles & Federalism · preview lesson
When a GED® passage quotes the Declaration, Constitution, or Bill of Rights, do not panic over old-fashioned wording. First identify who is speaking, what problem is being addressed, and what principle is being defended.
Words such as "consent," "rights," "liberty," and "people" usually point to popular sovereignty and natural rights. Words such as "Congress shall make no law" point to limits on government. Words such as "reserved to the States" point to federalism.
The best answer usually connects the document to a principle, not just a date. For example, a passage about people choosing representatives is about republican government. A passage limiting searches is about individual rights and due process.
References: National Archives: America's Founding Documents; National Archives: Bill of Rights
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