Purpose of the Constitution
I can explain the purpose and the contents of the United States constitution.
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General
The constitution is the framework for the federal government of the United States. It is the highest form of law in the country. This lesson will show students how the U.S. Constitution lays out how the government works. They will learn about the framers, the preamble, and the different articles and amendments of the constitution and why they are important.
Learning Objective
Students will be able to explain the major purpose of the Constitution and its principles.
Introduction
Have students discuss their prior knowledge of the Constitution by asking some questions: When was it written? Who do they think wrote it? Why do they think it was written? Next, explain that the Constitution is a set of basic rules for the government. Click on the link on the page and have students explore some more about the Constitution!
Instruction
First, explain that the Constitution was written by the framers who got together to come to an agreement about what they would include in the constitution. Show some of the framers like Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Alexander Hamilton. Then discuss the importance of the first three words: “We The People.” Teach students about the Preamble and have them work together to figure out what it means. They may need to define unknown words. After this, discuss the articles and amendments, pointing out that the Bill of Rights is the first 10 amendments to the constitution. Explain that the constitution splits the government up into 3 branches. Briefly review those with the class. Students then drag the words to complete the passage.
Quiz
Check student understanding with ten multiple-choice questions.
Closing
Discuss why it’s important to learn about the constitution and our government. Then have students fill in the diagram with any ideas that come to mind when thinking of the U.S. Constitution.
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Gynzy is an online teaching platform for interactive whiteboards and displays in schools.
With a focus on elementary education, Gynzy’s Whiteboard, digital tools, and activities make it easy for teachers to save time building lessons, increase student engagement, and make classroom management more efficient.