Other
Portland State University: Iroquois Confederacy and the Us Constitution
A unit of study that examines the impact Native Americans had on ideas about democracy and government, and how this influenced the writing of the US Constitution. Students will compare the Iroquois Confederacy's Great Law of Peace with...
National Constitution Center
National Constitution Center: Constitution Day
The observation of Constitution Day on September 17 is mandated for all publicly funded educational institutions. Find everything necesssary for celebrating the Constitution in class on this site.
Yale University
Avalon Project: The Bill of Rights
Yale's School of Law provides the text of the ten original amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights.
Yale University
Article I of the u.s. Constitution
Read all ten sections of Article I of the Constitution, which lay out the powers of the legislative branch of the federal government.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Constitution of the United States: Article Ii
Read the text of Article II of the Constitution, the four sections of which lay out the powers and duties of the executive branch of the federal government.
Yale University
Avalon Project: The Plan of Charles Pinckney (South Carolina)
The original text of a plan presented by Charles Pinckney to The Second Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Ratification of the Constitution by the State of Massachusetts
The original text of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the state of Massachusetts in February 1788.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Ratification of the Constitution by the State of New Hampshire
The original text of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the State of New Hampshire in June 1788 with a list of the legislators.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Ratification of the Constitution by the State of Pennsylvania
Text of the document recommending ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the Pennsylvania legislature.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Ratification of the Constitution by the State of South Carolina
The text of the document signed by the legislature of South Carolina ratifying the U. S. Constitution.
Yale University
Avalon Project: Ratification of the Constitution by the State of Virginia
The original text of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution by the State of Virginia.
Yale University
Yale University: The Complete Athenian Constitution
Yale University gives the complete Athenian Constitution in seven parts. You can access any of the seven parts.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Ways to Amend the Constitution
Ben's Guide is a fun way to present US laws to school aged children. This site presents a thorough investigation into ways to amend the Constitution. Links to related sites are available.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Rights of Citizens: The Bill of Rights (Grades 9 12)
Ben's Guide is a fun way to present US laws to students grades K-12. This site presents a brief overview of the Bill of Rights. Links to related sites are available.
Other
Tench Coxe and the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, 1787 1823
A scholarly article about Tench Coxe, his support for ratifying the Constitution, the roles he played in the Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Madison administrations, and especially his analysis and defense of the Second Amendment.
Other
Animus: Puritanism, Enlightenment, and the u.s. Constitution
Examines the effect of Puritan religious thought on the U.S. Constitution. Discusses Puritanism and covenant theology.
US National Archives
Nara: Charters of Freedom: Constitution of the United States
The complete text of the U.S. Constitution as adopted by the U.S. Congress on September 17, 1787, with information about changes made.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Ben's Ab Cs
Each letter of this alphabet is linked to an important aspect of the U.S. Government, e.g. "A is for Armed Forces" has a link to the Air Force. Links are made to the Bill of Rights, symbols, branches of government and The Constitution....
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Preparing for the Oath: u.s. History and Civics for Citizenship
This site from the National Museum of American History, part of the Smithsonian Institution, is a great site for citizens and those learning to become citizens alike. Review the fifteen themes that deal with U.S. history and civics,...
US Government Publishing Office
U.s. Government Publishing Office: Our American Government, 2000 Edition
A popular introductory guide for American citizens and those of other countries who seek a greater understanding of our heritage of democracy. The question-and-answer format covers a broad range of topics dealing with the legislative,...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: A Biography of America: A New System of Government 1776 1826
This module examines America's efforts to form a new government after the War for Independence and to draft the Constitution. Includes an interactive activity comparing Thomas Jefferson's and Alexander Hamilton's visions for America, a...
National Constitution Center
National Constitution Center: Interactive Constitution
This is a wonderful way to explore the US Constitution. The actual text of the Constitution comes first, then an excellent explanation of the text follows. In addition, most of the Amendments have essays by scholars on opposing sides of...
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Gouverneur Morris
A lesson plan introducing or revisiting the role of Gouverneur Morris in the planning and writing of the United States Constitution.
Other
The Federalist Papers:convention, Constitution,& Debates
A clickable index of the 85 Federalist Papers. The text of each letter (paper) sent to New York newspapers in 1787 and 1788 is easily accessed.