AMS 10: Stories that Make America, Spring 2026 U.S. Consti…

Only Assignment One is due on February 15, 2026

Due dates: Various (see below)

Submit/upload all parts of the assignment to Canvas Assignments.

Required Reading:

This research and reflective project on the U.S. Constitution will be submitted as two separate assignments. There is also one presentation. Approach this project as a personal search to connect with and understand laws that significantly impact your life in the United States.

Writing & Editing Tips

Introduce material from the Constitution by the document’s title, the number of the Amendment, and the Section number if applicable.

Example. Amendment 1 of the U.S. Constitution states…

Introduce material from newspapers as follows:

Example. In his New York Times column, (title of article/essay), commentator David Brooks argues…

All sources must be cited in the 9th edition format on the last page of your paper. Use the title”Works Cited.” If you used the internet for all three sources, use citation examples listed under Electronic Sources, which cover both web sources and eBooks. If you used hard copies, look under Books.

Publication information for the Constitution is located at the end of the document. Use the copy that is linked above.

IMPORTANT

When referring to the Constitution or Amendments (e.g., the First Amendment), remember that these words are capitalized because they are proper nouns.

Academic Integrity: Students are expected to uphold SJSU’s . Assignments that seem similar will be evaluated in relation to the policy. The use of AI for written work is a violation of academic integrity.

Assignment 1 (45 points)

Amendments 1-12, 16-27 and Self-Evaluation

Due: Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 11:59 pm

Part One: Amendments 1-12 AND 16-27

Note: While reading Amendments 1-27, look up terms with which you are unfamiliar, for example, letters of marque and reprisal, bill of attainder, writ of habeas corpus, emolument, etc. These are for your information; do not include this info in your paper.

PAPER PROMPT:

Choose TWO amendments that directly impact you now (whether positively or negatively) and explain their relevance to you personally.

One must be from Amendments 1-12, and the other must be from Amendments 16-27 – DO NOT USE Amendments 13, 14, or 15 for this part of the project.

For one Amendment that you choose, expand your response by drawing from a current editorial article from a major American newspaper, such as The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, etc., and cite it at the end of your paper in 9th edition (400-450 words)

For the other Amendment you choose, find a multimedia creative/artistic work relating to one of your Amendments, include it in your paper, and discuss its significance. Include the title and creator. This will require you to research aspects of popular culture that connect to your chosen amendment. (350-400 words and an uploaded image of the creative work)

Examples of creative/artistic modes include music, poetry, songs, artworks, photographs, visual art, performative videos (serious or comedic), mini-podcasts, and more.

Format: Double-spaced, indented paragraphs, normal margins, standard size 12 font, MLA source citations

Length: 3-3.5 pages (750-850 words)

Part Two: Self-Evaluation

Evaluate your performance on this assignment using the criteria below. Your evaluation can be in paragraph form, or you may answer each part of the criteria with a short sentence. Note the page requirement for this part of the assignment.

Criteria for Quality Assurance

• Paper has an evident organizational structure
• Content is clearly and concisely expressed
• Ideas are logical, original, and show depth of analysis
• Specific content/evidence is integrated from all required sources
• Responses are complete, engaging, and related to current issues/events where pertinent
• All formatting requirements are met
• MLA citations are correctly incorporated in the text and on the Works Cited page
• Grammar and spelling errors are corrected
• All assignment requirements are addressed
• Give the assignment a letter grade (A+ through F), and briefly explain in specific terms why you chose that grade.

Format: Double-spaced, indented paragraphs, normal margins, standard size 12 font.

Length: 100 -200 words

U.S Con Amendments 1-12 and 16-27RubricU.S Con Amendments 1-12 and 16-27Rubric

CriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAmendments 1-12

Follows all parts of the prompt. Makes a specific connection to an Amendment and has an appropriate source.

30 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAmendments 16-27

Follows all parts of the prompt. Makes a specific connection to an Amendment and has an appropriate source.

30 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting and Editing

Follows requirements regarding capitalization and citation on the prompt. The essay is clearly written and polished.

7 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSelf-Evaluation

All parts of the criteria are addressed.

3 pts

Total Points: 70