Citizenship Shift

This reflection worksheet examines how ideas about citizenship evolved before and after the Dred Scott decision. Students analyze short background passages and write about what citizenship meant to African Americans before 1857 and how the ruling redefined belonging and equality. The activity encourages reflection on fairness, identity, and justice in American society.

Curriculum Matched Skills
Civics – Citizenship, Rights, and Legal Equality in U.S. History

Social Studies – The Dred Scott Decision and Its Consequences

Critical Thinking – Comparing and Contrasting Historical Perspectives

Writing – Reflective and Analytical Paragraph Composition

This worksheet is part of our Dred Scott Decision collection.