Created by: Mrs. Moreland Thank You! Thank you for downloading this Power Point! I would appreciate any and all feedback about this product. This item can be used by itself, or to supplement your instructions of Constitution Day. There are clickable links within the Power Point that I do not own, nor manage. Please make sure to check accuracy and appropriateness before presenting to your class! Created by: Mrs. Moreland http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Erika-Moreland

Credits Graphics & Borders Graphics and Border by: Ashley Hughes at The School Supply Addict External Website Links & Sources The Constitution of Kids: http://www.usconstitution.net/constkids4.html Bill of Rights: http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/northamerica/after1500/government/billofrights.htm State Constitution Information: http://constitution.org/cons/usstcons.htm

Created by: Mrs. Moreland Constitution Day September 17 Created by: Mrs. Moreland http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Erika-Moreland

Our Objective At the conclusion of the lesson, I will be able to state the purpose of the Constitution and tell why it is important for the United States of America.

New Country, New Ideas Years before the Constitution was signed, on July 4, 1776 there was the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This told England (Great Britain) that we (the United States) were breaking away from their rule and starting our own country. As a new country was born, a new way to rule was developing, too…

September 17, 1787 On this day, over 225 years ago, a group of men came to sign a document that would be known as the Constitution. To get this piece of law finalized, it took months, many debates and compromise. Each person had their own ideas of how the government should be run, or not be run.

The Constitution The Constitution gave people rights. It created the government and was a set way that all of the (then) thirteen states would function as one country.

The Constitution An original copy of the Constitution is housed at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

Easy, But Not Too Easy! When the Constitution was written, the Framers (the men who met to discuss the Constitution) wanted to have a way to amend, or change, the Constitution since they knew that not everyone would like the rules that they had decided upon. It needed to be easy, but not that easy!

Easy, But Not Too Easy The Framers added an amendment process. An amendment to the Constitution is a change that can add to the Constitution or change an older part of it. As of 2014, the last amendment took effect in 1992. It was proposed in 1789… 203 years earlier!

How it Impacts Me The Constitution is the highest law in all of the United States! All other laws come from the Constitution. The Constitution tells how the government works. It created the position of a President. It created Congress. It created the Supreme Court.

Did You Know? Each state has their own Constitution. However, the Constitution of the United States is still the highest law of the land. Here you can find out more about our state’s Constitution. *Please check link, first! Outside source of information. Not affiliated with Mrs. Moreland* However, today, we are focusing on the United States Constitution.

My Rights Within the United States Constitution is the Bill of Rights. These are a list of things that the government cannot take away from you, because they are your right. It is illegal for the government to violate any of the rights in the Bill of Rights.

Want to know more about the Bill of Rights? Click here for more information about the Bill of Rights explained in a kid-friendly language! *Please check link, first! Outside source of information and is not affiliated with Mrs. Moreland.*

Objective Check At the conclusion of the lesson, I will be able to state the purpose of the Constitution and tell why it is important for the United States of America. What is the purpose of the Constitution? Why is it important for the United States?