Understanding the United States Constitution | Civics & American History

This Understanding the United States Constitution Article & Review introduces students to thestructure and seven key principles of the U.S. Constitution. A reading passage provides an introductory overview of the structure of the Constitution, including the Preamble, seven Articles, and Amendments, as well as the seven constitutional principles, like checks and balances, separation of powers, and limited government! A comprehension review guides students through the article’s main ideas, while a graphic organizer and short-answer response reflection reinforce key concepts and make students think introspectively about what they have learned! This Understanding the Constitution lesson is perfect for introducing middle or high school Civics, American History, or American Government students to the United States Constitution. 

✯ Compatible with the Florida State Standards for Middle School Civics:

• SS.7.CG.1.9: Describe how the U.S. Constitution limits the powers of government through separation of powers, checks and balances, individual rights, rule of law and due process of law. 
• SS.7.CG.2.4: Explain how the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights safeguard individual rights.
• Standard 3: Demonstrate an understanding of the principles, functions, and organization of government. Including, specifically, standards 

This Understanding the United States Constitution resource includes:

✯ The 5-page Understanding the United States Article. This engaging reading passage provides an introduction to the structure of the Constitution, as well as the seven principles of the Constitution. Students will learn how the principles of the Constitution come to life throughout the document, and will be able to connect specific Articles to related principles. 

Students will learn about the structure of the Constitution:

• The Preamble
• Articles I – VII
• The Amendments

As well as the seven constitutional principles:

• popular sovereignty
• separation of powers
• federalism
• republicanism
• limited government
• checks and balances
• individual rights

✯ In the 2-page Understanding the Constitution Comprehension Review, students will be guided through the text with short answer, big idea questions. They will have to make connections and demonstrate their understanding! 

Review questions include:

• How does a constitutional republic, like the United States, differ from a direct democracy?
• How does the Constitution’s separation of powers safeguard the country against tyranny?
• How is the Legislative Branch an example of the Constitutional principle of republicanism? 
• Where in the Constitution are the Powers of Congress listed?

✯ The Understanding the Constitution Reflection asks students to think introspectively (and creatively!) about what they have learned about the Constitution. These three short-answer responses can be used as extra enrichment, homework, or even exit tickets! 

A sample Reflection question:

• If you could add a fourth branch of government, what would you add? Be specific describing your branch of government, its powers, and its duties towards the American people. Also, invent and describe one way your new branch of government would check the power of one of the other three branches. 

✯ A note-taking page is also included! In the Understanding the Constitution Graphic Organizer, students briefly summarize each of the seven Articles of the Constitution and define the seven constitutional principles. This can be a handy review tool for students to look back on as they prepare for a unit test! 

This resource comes as a non-editable, printable PDF and includes an Answer Key. There is also a digital version available through TPT Easel, which can be assigned directly to Google Classroom or shared with your students via a link!

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