The+US+Constitution

=**The Constitution**=



Branches of Government Review Games

Lesson - Introduction to the Constitution Lesson - Bill of Rights (Honors)

__The Constitution Lessons - Breaking it down__
1). Preamble to the Constitution - page 170
 * Why did some state conventions dislike the opening statement, “We the People…?”
 * Why does the Preamble say “We the people of the United States…ordain and establish” the new government?

2). In 1-2 sentences each, **Summarize** each of the articles below. (Reference the sidebars to the articles on pp.171-185 or use the Interactive Constitution
 * Article I – The Legislature
 * Article II – The Executive
 * Article III – The Judiciary
 * Article IV – Relations among States
 * Article V – Amending the Constitution
 * Article VI – Supremacy of National Government
 * Article VII – Ratification

__**MA Learning Standards:**__

A. the legacy of ancient Greece and Rome B. the political theories of such European philosophers as Locke and Montesquieu
 * USI.2** Explain the historical and intellectual influences on the American Revolution and the formation and framework of the American government. (H, C)

//Major Debates// A. the distribution of political power B. the rights of individuals C. the rights of states D. slavery
 * USI.7** Explain the roles of various founders at the Constitutional Convention. Describe the major debates that occurred at the Convention and the "Great Compromise" that was reached. (H,C)

A. the influence of the British concept of limited government B. the particular ways in which the Bill of Rights protects basic freedoms, restricts government power, and ensures rights to persons accused of crimes
 * USI.9** Explain the reasons for the passage of the Bill of Rights. (H, C)


 * USI.11** Describe the purpose and functions of government. (H, C)


 * USI.12** Explain and provide examples of different forms of government, including democracy, monarchy, oligarchy, theocracy, and autocracy. (H, C)


 * USI.13** Explain why the United States government is classified as a democratic government. (H, C)


 * USI.14** Explain the characteristics of American democracy, including the concepts of popular sovereignty and constitutional government, which includes representative institutions, federalism, separation of powers, shared powers, checks and balances, and individual rights. (H, C)


 * USI.15** Explain the varying roles and responsibilities of federal, state, and local governments in the United States. (H, C)


 * USI.19** Explain the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and describe how a democracy provides opportunities for citizens to participated in the political process through elections, political parties, and interest groups. (H, C)


 * USI.21** Describe how decisions are made in a democracy, including the role of legislatures, courts, executives, and the public. (H, C)