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iCivics Curriculum Unit

The Constitution

Students will learn how our Constitution was created and what some of its key characteristics are. They will also explore key amendments to the Constitution and their application in protecting citizens' rights.

Planning to celebrate Constitution Day? Find our most popular resources in this collection.

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  • Game

    Sortify: U.S. Citizenship

    Test your knowledge of U.S. citizenship without getting out of sorts!
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  • DBQuest

    America's Founding Preambles

    Learn how the American idea of government evolved from a revolutionary response to monarchy to a union of states. The sources will illustrate the effort taken to reach “a more perfect union” through a close read of our founding documents. Students will dig into the preambles and introductory text of the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution. 
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  • WebQuest

    Three Branches: Laws in Action

    The U.S. government is designed to make sure that no one person has all the power. Follow a law from start to finish and learn how each branch is involved!
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  • DBQuest

    The Constitution's Cover Letter

    In 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention decided that it was time for a change. A new plan for government was outlined in the Constitution, and it was George Washington's job to present this document to Congress. As with any important document, the Constitution was delivered with a letter of introduction. Part background, part persuasion, Washington's cover letter provides a behind-the-scenes look at how a new government came to be designed. 
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  • Lesson Plan

    Separation of Powers: What's for Lunch?

    Students find out how the checks and balances of the three branches of government work. Through the process of creating a healthy school lunch menu, students role-play each branch’s responsibility in the law-making process. They then compare the simulation activity to a real-life example of a bill that became law.iCivics en español! Student and class materials for this lesson are available in Spanish. 
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  • Lesson Plan

    The "Federal" in Federalism

    In this federalism lesson plan, students learn where the federal government gets its power and that government power in the United States is split between states and the federal government. They learn about express and implied powers, distinguish between federal powers and those reserved to the states (as well as shared powers), and contrast the federalist system of government with other choices the Founders might have made.We suggest teaching our lesson "State Power: Got a Reservation? back-to-back with this lesson.iCivics en español! Student and class materials for this lesson are…
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  • Game

    Branches of Power

    Learn to control all three branches of the U.S. government!
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  • Lesson Plan

    Volunteer Activity for Constitution Day

    This lesson guides volunteers through a great class activity for Constitution Day. Enjoyed this activity? Find more Constitution Day resources in this collection.  *Note: One or more of the activities for this lesson is not compatible with Kami viewer at this time. Be sure to check the “Download Resources” button below to use these activities.
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  • Game

    Do I Have a Right?

    Run a law firm and test your knowledge of constitutional rights.
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  • Lesson Plan

    Constitution Day Lesson Plan

    Constitution Day is September 17, the day in 1787 when our U.S. government was born. Meet your Constitution Day education requirement with this free and engaging lesson plan. This interactive lesson gives students a quick snapshot of the Constitution, including the purpose of each article, the powers of the three branches, how a bill becomes a law, and the concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances.
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See how it all fits together!

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