Let’s learn about a law in America today in our homeschools! On this day in American history – January 2, 1974 – President Richard Nixon signed a law that pushed states to adopt a nationwide 55 mph speed limit law during the energy crisis.
In this 55 mph speed limit law mini lesson, your students will learn the “why” behind the national limit and practice a key skill for understand civics: explaining how state laws and federal laws are made. Also learn how these laws affect our everyday lives here in America.
You can click here to see all of the posts in this series: Government, Constitution, and Laws in America: Homeschool Civics Lessons
Background on the 55 mph Speed Limit Law
In the early 1970s, America faced an energy crisis and fuel shortages. To help conserve gasoline, Congress passed the Emergency Highway Energy Conservation Act, and it became national policy for states to set a maximum speed limit of 55 mph in order to maintain certain federal highway funding.
This 55 mph speed limit law is an example of how the federal government can influence state decisions—especially when funding (money!) is involved.
On January 2, 1974, President Richard Milhous Nixon imposed the 55 miles per hour speed limit. Since it was a federal law, it applied to all of the United States.
10-Minute Activities for your Mini Lesson
Choose one or all of the following activities:
1.) Research and write your answers:
- What is the difference between a federal law and a state law?
- What is the process to create a law in your state? Write the process in Numbered List form.
- What is the process to create a federal law that applies to all 50 states in the Union? Write the process in Numbered List form.
2.) Write a paragraph giving your opinion: Do you think the 55 mph speed limit is fair to U.S. citizens? Why or why not?
3.) Look up your state’s current speed limits. Are any still 55 mph? To what types of roads or highways does the limit apply?
Notebook of Knowledge (Writing Prompt)
If you are using a Notebook of Knowledge, have your student write his answer to this writing prompt with today’s date.
See below for Notebook of Knowledge instructions.
Do you think setting a national speed limit is fair and helpful, or should speed limits be decided only by states? Explain your opinion with at least two reasons.
More American History Mini Lessons
If you are new American History Mini Lessons for homeschool: Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here!
This series here at Mama’s Learning Corner includes American History Mini Lessons for your homeschool. You will learn about famous Americans, interesting inventions and their patents, American art and music, and more.
You will also find suggested activities – labeled “To do” – if you would like to research this during your homeschool’s group time in the morning, or you can assign the activities for your children to work on independently.
If you think you will do more than one day of On This Day in American History, I would encourage you to have your child keep what I call a Notebook of Knowledge. A spiral notebook or sheets of paper stapled together is more than adequate!
Have your child write the day’s event and the date at the top of his paper. If there are writing activities, have him use his best composition, grammar, and penmanship as he completes the answers. After just a few weeks or even a month, he will have an excellent resource to read through!
Want the January Mini Lessons Pack?
Prefer to plan ahead? Grab the January Mini Lessons Pack for all 31 lessons in one easy download with clickable links, downloads, and answers where applicable.
On This Day in American History January Calendar
On This Day in American History January Calendar
Enjoy a daily American History event with suggested learning activities for each day of January
Emancipation Proclamation Activities: American History Mini Lesson
Leave a Reply