Check out these 10 interesting facts about the Constitution for Kids. Then download the foldable organizers to use to teach Checks and Balances, the Preamble, Bill of Rights, and Amendments to the Constitution.
Download all handouts from the blog post here.
The Constitution for Kids – Ten Interesting Facts
1. Philadelphia
Delegates met in Philadelphia from May 25 to September 17, 1787, for the Constitutional Convention. At this time, Philadelphia was the largest city in North America. The population was 40,000 people. The city had 7,000 street lamps, 33 churches, 10 newspapers, and a university. Delegates met in the Pennsylvania State House. Members appointed George Washington as the Commander of the Continental Army at this site. The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia in 1776. The Articles of Confederation was adopted in 1781 here as well.
2. James Madison
3. Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old when the Constitution was signed. His mind was active, yet he was in poor health. Four prisoners from the Walnut Street Jail had to carry him to the Convention Hall in a sedan chair. When leaving the Pennsylvania State House after the final meeting on September 17, 1787, he was asked about the new government. Franklin replied, “A republic, madam, If you can keep it.” Franklin died on April 17, 1790.
4. Signers
5. Presidents
George Washington and James Madison were the only Presidents to sign the Constitution.
James Madison, the “Father of the Constitution,” is on the $5,000 bill.
6. Our Founding Fathers
7. The Size
The Constitution has 4,543 words. This took just four sheets of paper.
8. Americans
9. Thanksgiving
The first national Thanksgiving Day was established on November 26, 1789. George Washington proclaimed the holiday as a way of giving thanks for the new Constitution.
10. Preserving the Constitution
The Constitution for Kids – Free Organizers
This handout “Constitution Facts and Foldable Organizers” includes ten interesting facts and two foldable graphic organizers. The first foldable organizer covers the checks and balances of our government. The second graphic organizer reviews the parts of the Constitution.
The Constitution for Kids – Free Organizers
Checks and Balances
Congress
House of Representatives
Senate
Congress makes all the laws of the country.
After a veto by the President, the law can take effect if 2/3rds of the members of Congress vote for it again.
Congress may reject Supreme Court Appointments.
Supreme Court
(9 members)
Appeals Courts (13 in the U.S.)
District Courts (94 in the U.S.)
The judicial branch decides if laws or acts of Congress are in line with the Constitution. If not, they can declare a law unconstitutional.
President
Advisors
The President must ask Congress to make a new law.
The President may veto (say no to) any law passed by Congress.
President appoints the Supreme Court Justices.
Preamble
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union. . .
Articles 1-7
- The Legislative Branch, its powers, members, and workings
- The Executive Branch (President and Vice President), its powers, duties, and means of removal
- The Judicial Branch and defines treason
- This part regulates the states’ powers and their interaction with the National government.
- How to Change the Constitution ~ 2/3 of Both Houses, 3/4 of all States
- This part sets the status of the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, to which leaders must be loyal.
- This part addresses ratification and declares that the Constitution should take effect if 9 out of 13 states ratify.
Bill of Rights
- Freedom of Religion, Speech, Press, Assembly, and Petition
- The Right to Bear Arms
- No Quartering of Troops
- Search and Seizure (Search Warrants)
- Due Process and Self-Incrimination (The Right to Remain Silent)
- Right to a Speedy and Public Trial
- Trial by Jury in Cases over $20
- No Cruel and Unusual Punishment
- Rights Kept by the People
- Rights Reserved to the States or People
Amendments
13-15 Reconstruction (Abolished Slavery, Citizenship for African Americans, & Free Citizens Vote)
16 Income Tax
17 Vote Directly for Senators
18 & 21 Prohibition and the Repeal of Prohibition
22 The President serves no more than 2 terms.
26 18-year-old vote
3 comments
There is no link to take you to the printable graphic organizer or article. Am I supposed to click somewhere? Thanks for the great resources!
Hello,
Your two Constitution and preamble graphic organizers for interactive journals are intriguing. The site says print free but I cannot find a link to download. Can I find your activity on another site?
Thank you for sharing,
Jeannie Pace
Tijeras, NM
Author
The links are now working.