Constitution and the Bill of Rights
Homeschool Curriculum & Resources

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. 

HIGH SCHOOL STUDY OF THE CONSTITUTION & The BILL OF RIGHTS

Week ONE 
*THE PRICE OF FREEDOM
Our first week, Lesson One, materials include an intro video from David Barton, and two lectures by Rick Green recorded at Independence Hall.  You will need about 2 hours to view the recorded videos. 
You can view the recorded materials anytime.
Read more at http://rickgreen.com/lesson-one-the-price-of-freedom/

Week TWO

• First, read Chapters 1 through 6 of Freedom’s Frame.  pdf file available here
  
• Second, view recorded webinar. Join Rick here.
  
• Read Chapter 6 of American Republic pages 95-99
  
• Read Chapter 7 of American Republic pages 
  
• In complete sentances answer Section review questions: 117,124. (numbered questions only)
  

WEEK THREE: Constitution

The CONSTITUTION
** REVIEW American Republic Chapter Review page 131
First, watch Sections 3 – 5 of Constitution Alive! while following along in the workbook.
Read Appendix C of Freedom’s Frame.  

WATCH
Watch Videos on Constitution <below>
PLUS: Study.com video on a summary of Constitution framework
https://youtu.be/6oR3zcEmNWc


WRITE
Write the Summary of the Constitution (listed below the videos)
Write the Summary of the Government Structure and where they are found in the Constitution (see end of video): Legistlative, Executive, Judicial as the video shows https://youtu.be/6oR3zcEmNWc

WHAT IS THE U.S. CONSTITUTION?
The U.S. Constitution is the fundamental framework of America’s system of government.

The Constitution:

• Creates a government that puts the power in the hands of the people
• Separates the powers of government into three branches: the legislative branch, which makes the laws; the executive branch, which executes the laws; and the judicial branch, which interprets the laws
• Sets up a system of checks and balances that ensures no one branch has too much power
• Divides power between the states and the federal government
• Describes the purposes and duties of the government
• Defines the scope and limit of government power
• Prescribes the system for electing representatives
• Establishes the process for the document’s ratification and amendment
• Outlines many rights and freedoms of the people

Week 4
Branches of Government Intro

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CONSTITUTION AND THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE?
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.

First, watch Sections 6 & 7 of Constitution Alive! while following along in the workbook.

Week 5
PRESIDENT

watching Chapters 6-10 of Constitution Alive while completing the workbook for those chapters, and reading chapters 3-9 of Freedom’s Frame.

You will need about 3 hours to view the recorded videos and answer the workbook. 

FIRST… read Chapters 3 through 9 of Freedom’s Frame.  

SECOND:Watch Section Six – The President  from Constitution Alive! while following along in the Constitution Alive! Workbook.
http://rickgreen.com/campfire-chat-four/


THIRD: Watch this special section with comedian Brad Stine  from Constitution Alive! while following along in the Constitution Alive! Workbook.
http://rickgreen.com/campfire-chat-four/












SIXTH...Review the recorded webinar from March 2nd by clicking here.
Read more at http://rickgreen.com/campfire-chat-four/

Week 6

• THE CONGRESS 

Resource Links:

Week 7

• THE JUDICIARY

Watch Section Seven – 4 Judicial Myths from Constitution Alive! while following along in the Constitution Alive! Workbook. (you can view online HERE)

FIFTH…watch Sections 8, 9 & 10 of Constitution Alive! while following along in the workbook. Watch video here.

Week 8

Civil Liberties

First, watch Sections 8, 9 & 10 of Constitution Alive! while following along in the workbook.

Week 9

– PUBLIC OPINION & THE MEDIA

Week 10

POLITICAL PARTIES & INTEREST GROUPS; CAMPAIGNS & ELECTIONS 
 

start reading Rick Mayberry Conservative, Confused

work on lesson plans/worksheets from workbook

Week 11

– The Bureaucracy
 

Read Chapters 18-24 of Freedom’s Frame.

View “War on Health” - 57 minute video.

Week 12

– MAKING POLICY
 

Week 13

– Americanism 
 

Watch/Listen 
First, read Chapters 1-5 of Ameritopia.

Week 14

Americanism part 2
 

First, read Chapters 1-5 of Ameritopia.

Week 15

Citizen's Duty
 

http://rickgreen.com/campfire-chat-eight/
 watching Chapter 11 of Constitution Alive while completing the workbook for that chapter, 
watching “Living the 2nd Amendment,” 
and watch “The Secrets of American Exceptionalism”.

Week 16
EDUCATION
FIRST:Read Chapters 10-14 in Freedom’s Frame and then read the following web pages:

http://www.vanderbilt.edu/schoolchoice/faq.html

http://www.nuvo.net/Abdul/archives/2013/02/05/the-best-argument-for-school-choice

http://www.statesman.com/news/news/opinion/huffman-the-arguments-against-school-choice-ignore/nRXM8/

http://www.redefinedonline.org/2013/04/louisiana-parents-are-reaping-benefits-of-education-reform-school-choice/

SECOND:Watch the documentary “Waiting for Superman” for free here:  https://vimeo.com/20095459

THIRD:If possible, watch “Won’t Back Down” with Maggie Gyllenhaal. There is not a free source. You’ll have to rent or buy on Amazon.com or netflix or some other source. This is not required, but is encouraged.

FOURTH:Review the recorded campfire chat from March 16 by clicking here.
Read more at http://rickgreen.com/campfire-chat-six/

WHAT IS THE U.S. CONSTITUTION?
The U.S. Constitution is the fundamental framework of America’s system of government.

The Constitution:

• Creates a government that puts the power in the hands of the people
• Separates the powers of government into three branches: the legislative branch, which makes the laws; the executive branch, which executes the laws; and the judicial branch, which interprets the laws
• Sets up a system of checks and balances that ensures no one branch has too much power
• Divides power between the states and the federal government
• Describes the purposes and duties of the government
• Defines the scope and limit of government power
• Prescribes the system for electing representatives
• Establishes the process for the document’s ratification and amendment
• Outlines many rights and freedoms of the people
  
  

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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DID YOU KNOW...
Common Core (CCSI) is 
Unconstitutional it violates
the 10th Amendment and violates three federal statues. 1

ORGANIZATIONS for Student Leaders

CRI'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

ORIGINAL HISTORIC DOCUMENTS

Historical 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.

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 Resources

Nicely sung and produced performance including the Preamble

Original Art Work from the Time brief descriptions including biographical, architectural.., 

President's Day resources: 

• Home school for Free President's Day printables
• President’s Day Lapbook from Homeschool Share (free)
• History of President’s Day Unit Study by In All You Do (free)
• Mini-units for George Washington and Abraham Lincoln at In All You Do (free)
• President’s Day Printable Game “Don’t Eat the Chief” at Thirty Handmade Days (free)
• President’s Day mini-books at Ready Set Read (free)
• George Washington Resource Packet from Mama’s Learning Corner (low price)
• Abraham Lincoln Facts and Worksheets also from Mama’s Learning Corner (free)
• All About the President Notebooking Unit from TheHomeschoolMom (free)
• Presidents Notebook Pages by Blessed Beyond a Doubt (free)
• Presidents Coloring Pages at Free Kids Coloring

Additional resources about the Government : 
Economics the book and study guide: Whatever Happened to Penny Candy - 

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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.