Civic Literacy Curriculum
This curriculum guide is intended to cover question 124.
Q124: The Nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that mean?
A. Out of one, many
B. Out of many, one
C. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few
D. None of these
Background
America’s first motto was “E pluribus unum,” a Latin phrase meaning “out of many, one.” This phrase was proposed for the seal of the new nation in July 1776 by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson—three of the members of the committee also tasked to write the Declaration of Independence. It was meant to indicate the linking of separate states in a joint government, but later came to stand for the idea that diverse Americans—of different ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds—nonetheless had a common identity as American citizens and participants in its political society.
Discussion Prompts
Background
“E Pluribus Unum” was the historic motto of America, and still appears on our country’s official seal and much of our money.
Prompt 1:
In God We Trust, which appeared in the text of the Star-Spangled Banner and has been on American money since the 1860s, was made the official motto of the United States in 1956. But the first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that phrase mean?
Prompt 2:
“E Pluribus Unum” literally translates to, “out of many, one,” in Latin. But what does it actually mean? What does it mean for many people to become one? In what ways are they one? In what ways, if any, are they still many? Use current and past events to support your answer.
Lessons
Understanding “E Pluribus Unum”
By Josie McClain
Lesson Summary: In this lesson, students learn that the phrase “E Pluribus Unum” means “Out of many, one,” which reflects how people from different backgrounds come together to form one nation. Through activities like creating a unity puzzle and discussing the Great Seal of the United States, students understand the concept of unity despite diversity. The lesson emphasizes that just like puzzle pieces fit together to make one picture, people from various places and cultures join together to create a strong, united country.
Primary Sources: The Great Seal of the United States
Learning Objectives: Students will understand the meaning of the phrase “E Pluribus Unum” and how it reflects the idea of many people coming together as one nation.
Understanding “E Pluribus Unum”- Patchwork Quilt
By Shelby Jones
Lesson Summary: Students will learn the Nation’s first motto “E Pluribus Unum” and its meaning “Out of many, one” and develop an understanding that the motto was meant to show that even with the diverse makeup of the American Citizens we all come together as one with a common identity as Americans. Students will examine and discuss where this phrase can be found and why this phrase has a significance. Students will show their understanding by creating a diversity quilt that shows the unity of the class through their diversity.
Learning Objectives:
- Students will understand the meaning of “E Pluribus Unum.”
- Students will discuss the history and significance of the motto.
- Students will demonstrate how the motto reflects diversity to create unity.
America’s Symbols and Holidays
By Rhonda Watton
Lesson Summary: Students will analyze various symbols of the United States--national flag, anthem and the meaning of E Pluribus Unum.
Learning Objectives: Students will analyze the United States flag, national anthem and motto and its meaning for Americans, along with the American holidays
“E Pluribus Unum": what does that mean?
By Kevan Ottochian
Lesson Summary: Students will work independently and collaboratively to discuss two different points of view about the motto as well as write a detailed personal take on how the motto should be viewed today and in the future.
Learning Objectives:
Students Will:
- Independently and collaboratively discuss two different points of view about the America’s motto.
- Identify historical events that correlate to each of the two points of view.
Write a detailed personal take on how the motto should be viewed today and in the future.