Nation Building

This passage describes the challenges America faced after declaring independence in 1776. Colonists had to create a new government, first using the Articles of Confederation. They struggled economically, losing trade with Britain and needing new markets. The U.S. Constitution was created to strengthen the nation. Expansion, unity, and pride helped Americans adjust to independence.

Reading this type of passage helps students practice summarizing complex ideas. It builds vocabulary about government, economy, and independence. Students strengthen comprehension by tracing how events shaped long-term growth. Analyzing successes and struggles teaches problem-solving skills. Exposure to formal language improves sentence variety and grammar awareness.