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SSP.01: Gather information from a variety of primary and secondary sources, including:  Printed materials (e.g., literary texts, newspapers, political cartoons, autobiographies, speeches, letters, personal journals),  Graphic representations (e.g., maps, timelines, charts, artwork), Artifacts, Media and technology sources

SSP .02: Critically examine a primary or secondary source in order to: Summarize significant ideas and relevant information, Distinguish between fact and opinion, Draw inferences and conclusions, Recognize author’s purpose, point of view, and reliability

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The United States Constitution is one of the most foundational documents in American history. It was essential in the founding of our country, and it is still used by the American government today. Start by reading the directions then, click through these stickies to learn more about this piece of history!

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1. Start with the next sticky and view the picture and answer the questions at the bottom on a piece of paper.
2. Go through all of the stickies in order, looking at the picture, watching the video, or reading the information.
3. If there are questions at the bottom, answer them!
4. When you have completed all of the stickies, turn in your piece of paper with your name on it.

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Here is a reminder of what a primary and a secondary source is. Based on this picture, is the Constitution a primary or a secondary source?

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Read the introduction of this article and answer the following questions:

1. Explain a constitution in your own words
2. What is the word for when a constitution is changed?

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The U.S. Constitution took effect in 1789. It is now the oldest written constitution. It has set a pattern for many other countries. Today almost all countries have written constitutions. Many have had several in their history.

One country without a written constitution is Saudi Arabia. It uses the Koran and other Islamic teachings as its highest law. The most famous example of a country without a written constitution is the United Kingdom. The British constitution is a group of laws that have built up throughout history. Its elements include the Magna Carta, the English Bill of Rights of 1689, laws passed by Parliament, court decisions, and other sources.

Not all constitutions come from the people of the country. For example, the United States set up the Japanese constitution of 1947 after it defeated Japan in World War II. And even the finest constitution does not guarantee that the government will follow it. Dictators, or rulers who take unlimited power, often ignore their country's constitution.

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A constitution is a set of rules that guides how a country, state, or other political organization works. The constitution may tell what the branches of the government are,...

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The Preamble is the part of the document that comes first, like an introduction. Watch this video of the preamble of the Constitution, then answer these questions:

1. What year was the Constitution written?

2. List two of the purposes of the constitution stated in the preamble:

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Watch this video and:

1. Explain why the Constitution is considered the highest law in the land in two or three sentences.
2. How many articles are in the constitution?
3. How many amendments are in the constitution?

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Constitution for Kids | What It Is and Why It Matters

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The Constitution established the three branches of government. Look through this article and name and explain each of the three branches of government.

Branch 1:
Branch 2:
Branch 3:

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Let's explore some fascinating facts about the US government, its institutions, amendments and rules and regulations.

In this section you will also find links to facts about the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights and other Constitutional Amendments.

Be sure also to learn all about our Presidents!

Happy exploring!

Overview of US Government

United States Constitution

Branches of Government

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US Government For Kids Let's explore some fascinating facts about the US government, its institutions, amendments and rules and regulations. In this section you will also find links to facts about the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights and other Constitutional Amendments. Be sure also to learn all about our Presidents!

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Test your skills with this constitution quiz!! Write your answers on your same piece of paper and turn in to me.

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1: Primary
2: a. sample answers could include a set of rules that guide how a country works, or a document that tells the rights of citizens or the branches of government.
b. amendment
3:  a. 1787
b. sample answers could be, establish justice, provide for common defense, promote general welfare, etc.
4: a. Sample answers could include how all other laws must follow the constitution, or the constitution is the standard for all laws in the U.S.
b. 7
c. 27
5: a. Judicial: court systems
b. Legislative: make and pass laws
c. Executive: presidential, can veto, enforces laws
6: Quiz answers: c,a,b,b,c,b,a,d,a,a