Constitution and the Bill of Rights
Homeschool Lesson Plans, Curriculum & Resources
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WHAT IS THE U.S. CONSTITUTION? The U.S. Constitution is the fundamental framework of America’s system of government. The Constitution:
Though connected in spirit, the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence are separate, distinct documents. The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776. It was a list of grievances against the king of England intended to justify separation from British rule. The Constitution was written and signed in 1787. It was a charter of government that came to be ratified by the states, and it continues to be the supreme law of the land. Both documents have played an important role in American history and the spread of democratic ideals around the world. They were both signed at Independence Hall, steps from where the National Constitution Center now stands. WHEN AND WHERE WAS THE CONSTITUTION WRITTEN AND SIGNED? The Constitution was written and signed in Philadelphia in the Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House, now known as Independence Hall. This was the same place the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Constitution was written during the Philadelphia Convention—now known as the Constitutional Convention—which convened from May 25 to September 17, 1787. It was signed on September 17, 1787. WHEN DID THE CONSTITUTION GO INTO EFFECT? The Constitution did not go into effect the moment it was signed by the delegates. It needed to be approved by the people. The Constitution went into effect once nine out of the 13 states ratified it, which occurred on June 21, 1788. Article V of the Constitution established the process for ratification. WHO WROTE THE CONSTITUTION? Because many of James Madison’s ideas made their way into the Constitution, he is often referred to as the “Father of the Constitution.” Indeed, he was a driving force of the convention throughout the summer of 1787, and his notes of the deliberations have provided valuable insights into the proceedings. However, the Constitution was the result of months of passionate, thoughtful deliberation among the delegates. Many others besides James Madison made important contributions, particularly those who served on the Committee of Detail, which included Oliver Ellsworth, Nathaniel Gorham, Edmund Randolph, John Rutledge, and James Wilson; and those on the Committee of Style, which included Alexander Hamilton, William Johnson, Rufus King, and Gouverneur Morris. Other notable delegates included Benjamin Franklin and George Washington (who served as president of the convention). read more about the Constitution... |
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Lesson plans, book recommendations and other resources to help home schooling families with history, government and unit studies on the American Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Wonderful resources for younger students including lap books, hands on crafts and activities. Online courses for older students to grasp the significance of the key principals that were argued over for months.
Early Elementary Resources: Simple American Government lessons for children ages 5 to 11. These lessons are suited for mixed age group teaching. We study government in order to understand our country. We study government in order to be able to make informed decisions. America's Christian History - a collection of resources
SLIDE SHOWS/ POWER POINT presentations
Book Recommendations:
Online Books Volume 2: American Revolution & Patriotic Songs pdf audio Notebooking Resources:cute and clear free printables
BOARD GAMES: We the People Constitution Quest Breed Hills Institute Fox Chase FREE PRINTABLE BILL OF RIGHTS MEMORY GAME Online GAMES: List of Links to Online Games IPad Apps: 4-6 American History Crafts:There are many crafts to add hands-on fun.
Audios:
High School Constitution LESSON PLANS
Teen Pact Leadership Hands On Crafts and Activities Tri- Corner Hat ORGANIZATIONS for Student LeadersCRI's annual City on the Hill Youth Leadership Conference
To learn more about the conference and download an application, visit www.CityontheHill.org. Cost of the conference is $400. Scholarships are available. Check out this short promo video: http://vimeo.com/48091766 |
DID YOU KNOW... ORIGINAL HISTORIC DOCUMENTSHistorical Documents from Wallbuilders
ONLINE COURSES (for credit)PLEASE NOTE some of these are for fee and provide credit. Some are free. Most provide a Christian Worldview emphasizing the actual christian foundation our of country.
Highly Recommend: Junior High / High School Lessons (first 2 FREE) Two HOURS of engaging Lectures, Reading assignments. *THE PRICE OF FREEDOM materials include an intro video from David Barton, and two lectures by Rick Green recorded at Independence Hall. You can view the recorded materials anytime. Read more at http://rickgreen.com/lesson-one-the-price-of-freedom/ ACH Study Groups - based out of Sacramento CA has online courses and audio CDs available Resources for the Constitutional Convention High School and Adult Studies on the Constitution from Hillsdale College American Academy for Constitutional Education Constitutional Law Coursera free from YALE Anneberg Media - variety to topics includes the Constitution video and lesson plans Multi Media ResourcesNicely sung and produced performance including the Preamble
Original Art Work from the Time brief descriptions including biographical, architectural.., President's Day resources:
Additional resources about the Government : Economics the book and study guide: Whatever Happened to Penny Candy - |
disclaimer: this a collection as suggested by home schooling families on a facebook page. I haven't used all these resources but wanted to have a safe place to store the ideas until I can create my own unit study for my children in the near future. Should you have a recommendation please send a suggestion. eventually there will be affiliate links to those products on Amazon.
