The United States Constitution
The Constitution
The United States Constitution is the oldest document that still governs a country. It was written in 1787.
The Constitution outlines the different tasks for each branch of government. It also creates a state and a federal government. This website examines the federal government and its branches.
To learn more about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, click here. As you look through the website, think: Why do we have a Constitution? What does the Constitution do?
Branches of Government
The Constitution divides the federal government into three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial. Each branch has the same amount of power as the other branches and must obey the Constitution.
Click on the picture to the right to go to the "Branches of Government" page. ->>>
You can also click on the blue arrow at the botton of this page.
Click on the picture to the right to go to the "Branches of Government" page. ->>>
You can also click on the blue arrow at the botton of this page.
The Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. The First Amendment is Article One of the Bill of Rights. It protects the freedom of religion, the freedom of speech, the freedom of the press, the freedom of assembly, and the freedom to petition the government. Learn more about the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press by clicking on any of the above words to go to the "Glossary" tab.
Click on the "Bill of Rights" box to the right ->>>
to hear an excerpt from the First Amendment (Article One of the Bill of Rights) read aloud! This excerpt pertains to the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press. When you are listening, think: Which group is not allowed to take away these freedoms?
Class Assignment: The proposed anti-bullying bill must follow the Constitution. Do you think that the bill upholds or violates the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press as protected in the First Amendment?
