1. The American Constitution

2. What is outlined in the constitution? The first three articles of the US Constitution sets up the US government as a republic with three separate branches of government: –Legislative bicameral –Executive Branch led by the president –Judicial Branch

3. How do checks and balances work?

4. Why vote? Electoral College: 538 voters; must have at least 270 to win an election –While watching the video, figure out: 1.How many electoral votes does a state receive? 2.Whose vote does the college represent? http://www.pbs.org/newshour/thenews/thevote/story.php?id=4965&package_i d=634

5. http://vimeo.com/4803822 Bill of Rights 1. Speech, Religion, Press, Petition, Protest 2. Bear Arms 3. No Quartering 4. Warrants for search and seizure 5. Can’t be tried twice for same crime (double jeopardy) 6. Speedy Trial 7. Jury of peers for a trial 8. No excessive bail or cruel punishment 9. People have other rights not listed in the Constitution 10. States can make their own laws too

6. Rank your rights! With your group, decide the top two most important rights for Americans during the late 1700s. Be able to explain your answer. Now, decide the top two most important rights for Americans today. Be able to explain your answer.

7. Create an Amendment With your group, decide on an amendment that should be added to the Constitution. Make sure that it is SCHOOL APPROPRIATE. Then, place your amendment on the worksheet.