The Constitution

To Educators,

As our first graders begin to learn more about the history of our great nation, we need to provide them with information on what made the rules and what makes this nation great today. The Constitution is a set of rules that govern our country that focuses on the notion that everyone is treated fairly. The Constitution was created over 200 years ago and is still used in our government today that helps create laws and protect these people of the United States.

Lesson Objectives:

After this lesson students will be able to:

• Understand what the Consitution is.
• Understand why it was created and who created it.
• Understand what the preamble is.
• Understand what the Bill of Rights is and the Amendments.
• Understand how we use it today in our government.

Overview of the Constitution

What is the Cosntitution?

The Making of the Constitution

Who made the Constitution?

The First Part of the Constitution

What is the Preamble?

The Bill of Rights

Hint: The Bill of Rights is in the Consitution.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The Constitution

Let’s Sing-Along!

Let’s review what we have learned!

• The Constitution is the highest law in the land!

  • The Constitution has 7 Articles and 27 Amendments.

• It is placed so that everyone is treated fairly.

• The Constitution is full of rules, amendments, and articles that keep our country in order and safe!

• The Constitution was created in 1787, but the document was adopted in 1789!

• This was created during the Revolutionary War by George Washington, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and many more!

• What is the Preamble?

  • It is the beginning of the Constitution and starts off with the saying “We The People…” which is written in big letters.

• What is the Bill of Rights?

  • The Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments of the Constitution.

• What does Amendment mean?

  • It means a small change to a document.

Now that you know all about the Constitution.

I have two questions for all of you…

– If you were able to write in the Constitution, what would you write?

– Do your parents have a set of rules you must follow at home? If so what are some?

Standards

1.4 People create governments in order to create peace and establish order. Laws are created to protect the rights and define the responsibilities of individuals and groups.

1.4a Rules and laws are developed to protect people’s rights and for the safety and welfare of the community.

• Students will discuss the difference between rules and laws, and determine why school rules were developed and what the consequences are of not following the rules.