The Constitutional Convention was the meeting to write the constitution in 1787.

The Constitution was ratified - or accepted - by all the states in 1788.  

The Constitution is the law of the land. 

THE CONSTITUTION

1. Why do we have a Constitution?


2.  Who wrote the Constitution?  
The Constitution is made up of 7 articles - or sections - and begins with an introduction called the Preamble.
Task #1: Watch the "Preamble" and complete the questions.
Task #2: Watch the Flocabulary video below and complete the vocabulary cards.  When you finish the vocab, take a few minutes to study before you take the Quiz.
Task #3: Watch the video below and complete the questions; when you are finished continue to the work on the Bill of Rights below.

BILL OF RIGHTS

Here are the amendments in simple language:
Amendment 1:  Congress can't make any law that:
  • Favors one religion over another religion, or no religion at all, or opposes any religion;
  • Stops you from practicing your religion as you see fit;
  • Keeps you from saying whatever you want, even if you are criticizing the President of the United States;
  • Prevents newspapers, magazines, books, movies, radio,  television or the internet from  presenting any news, ideas, and opinions that they choose;
  • Stops you from meeting peacefully for a demonstration or protest to ask the government to change something.
Amendment 2:  Congress can't stop people from having and carrying weapons.
Amendment 3:  You don't have to let soldiers live in your house, except if there is a war, and even then Congress needs to pass a law and set the rules.
Amendment 4:  Nobody can search your body, or your house, or your papers and things, unless they can prove to a judge that they have a good reason for the search.
Amendment 5:  Except during times of war or if you are in the military:
  • You can't be tried for any serious crime without a Grand Jury meeting first to decide whether there's enough evidence against you for a trial;
  • If at the end of a trial, the jury decides you are innocent, the government can't try you again for the same crime with another jury;
  • You  cannot be forced to admit you are guilty of a crime and if you choose not to, you don't have to say anything at your trial at all;
  • You can't be killed, or put in jail, or fined, unless you were convicted of a crime by a jury and all of the proper legal steps during your arrest and trial were followed; and
  • The government can't take your house or your farm or anything that is yours, unless the government pays for it at a fair price.
Amendment 6:  If you are arrested and charged with a crime:
  • You have a right to have your trial soon and in public, so everyone knows what is happening;
  • The case has to be decided by a jury of ordinary people from where you are, if you wish;
  • You have the right to know what you are accused of doing wrong and to see and hear and cross-examine the people who are witnesses against you;
  • You have the right to a lawyer to help you. If you cannot afford to pay the lawyer, the government will.
Amendment 7:  You also have the right to a jury when it is a civil case (a law case between two people rather than between you and the government).
Amendment 8:  The government can't make you pay more than is reasonable in bail or in fines, and the government can't inflict cruel or unusual punishments (like torture) even if you are convicted of a crime.
Amendment 9:  Just because these rights are listed in the Constitution doesn't mean that you don't have other rights too.
Amendment 10:  Anything that the Constitution doesn't say that Congress can do, is left up to the states and  to the people.
Amendment Language from ACLU Delaware.
E-Mail your finished MEME to Ms. B at a.bolman@nshighschool.com 

separation of powers

1. The government is separated into three branches.  What do you think those branches are?


​2.  Why do you think the government is separated into branches?
Task #1: Watch the video below and answer the corresponding questions:
Task #2: Watch the Flocabulary video to the left and complete the Vocab cards.  When you're done take the quiz.
Task #3: Watch the series of videos below and complete the notes page on the three branches of government. 

CHECKS AND BALANCES:

Task #4: Watch the video below and take notes on how the system of checks and balances keeps the government fair.  
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Baron de Montesquieu

federalism

1. Whose word is final: the state or the federal government? 
Watch the video below to find out the definition of "Federalism" and understand the issue of legalizing marijuana.

supremacy clause

Watch the Flocabulary video, complete the vocab cards and take the quiz.

judicial review

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1.  What is the responsibility of the courts?


2.  What is the highest court in the land?
Watch the video and answer the questions.
SUBMIT YOUR WORK:
​Option #1: Hand your Binder to Ms. B for grading.

Option #2: Share your work with Ms. B through Google Drive.  
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Option #3: E-Mail Ms. B with a copy of your work.  ​