Understanding Equal Rights

Students extract key ideas and details through informational text that helps them improve their critical reading skills. They can evaluate actions and events in the substantive topic of equal rights, including learning about the fight for the rights of African Americans and other racial minorities, women's rights, and LGBT rights. The U.S. Constitution laid the groundwork for equal rights in America, including the possible future expansion of rights. The powerful Bill of Rights established many of these liberties and guaranteed Americans protection from government tyranny. Despite these guarantees, many people have been excluded from certain basic rights throughout U.S. history. Readers analyze these events and achievements and examine some high-profile instances of injustice and inequality. Sidebars offer students additional particulars about equality and personal freedom, and the Preamble to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are printed in the back matter for easy reference.