Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Ratifying the Constitution
The delegates to the Constititional Convention produced a new governing document for the new United States. Read about how they determined to take the ratification process to the people of the states.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Antifederalists' Victory in Defeat
By 1788 eleven states ratified the Constitution, more than enough to put it into effect as the document establishing rules for the nation. Read about the goals of the Federalists in estabilishing a national government and find out how...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: After the Fact: Virginia, New Yok, and "The Federalist Papers"
Read about the necessity for Virginia and New York to support the ratification of the Constitution. See what influenced the vote in Virginia and how the legislature of New York was finally convinced.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Ratification Process: State by State
The ratification of the Constitution was placed at the hands of the state legislatures. Read about which states supported the ratification, which were opposed, and why. Find out why, even after the requisite number of states had voted...
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Principles of u.s. Government
Tutorial presents an introduction to the principles of the United States democratic government highlighting the differences and similarities between Roman and U.S. governments.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Land of the Brave: James Madison
Overview and biographical facts on the life of James Madison, the "Father of the Constitution".
US National Archives
Nara: Teaching With Documents: u.s. Constitution Workshop
A workshop, appropriate for elementary, middle school, and high school learners, through which participants examine a variety of primary documents and their relationship to the U.S. Constitution. This resource provides workshop...
US National Archives
Docsteach: The Constitution at Work
In this activity students will analyze documents that span the course of American history to determine their connection to the U.S. Constitution. Students will then make connections between the documents they have examined and the big...
Library of Congress
Loc: Constitution
Collection of primary resources having to do with the constitution throughout American history.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Rights of Citizens: The Bill of Rights (Grades 6 8)
Ben's Guide is a fun way to present US laws to students grades K-12. This site presents a brief history of the Bill of Rights. Links to related sites are available.
Other
House of Representatives Judiciary Committee
The website of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee which is responsible for overseeing the administration of justice at the federal level and plays a role in impeachments.
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
Teach Us History: Indian Removal
A instructional activity unit that looks at the efforts of the Cherokee Nation in Georgia between 1817 and 1827 to establish their own system of governance and to keep their lands from being ceded. Even though the Supreme Court...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1754 1800: Quiz 2
A quick comprehension check over the period in US history when the constitution was being established.
Library of Congress
Loc: The Constitution: Drafting a More Perfect Union
This lesson provides discussion, culminating, and extension activities to enhance student understanding of the Constitution, and the Committees of Detail and Style. Students have the opportunity to compare the work of those two...
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Delegates to the Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention of May 1787 is explained in kid-friendly terms. Suggestions for research projects, resource links and some activities are included. The rest of the site has lots more information on the US government.
US Department of State
U.s. Dept. Of State: Niger
This U. S. Department of State article discusses The Respect For Human Rights Constitution in Niger. Referring to various sections of the constitution, examples are given for violations in each section by government officials. (28...
Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Ancient History Sourcebook: The Twelve Tables, C. 450 Bce
A version, in English, of the Twelve Tables of law that became the written foundation of all Roman law. The Twelve Tables bore approximately the same relationship to the whole of Roman law that the US Constitution bears to the whole of...
Other
Understanding the Federal Courts
A ten part publication which describes the federal court system, its structure and organization, what types of cases they hear and much more. You can also download a PDF version of the document.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: The United States Constitution
Article covers the history and origins of the US Constitution.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Constitutional Convention
The delegates of the Constitutional Convention framed the Constitution of the United States as a basis of government to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Other
Angelo State University: Constitutional Government
An outline of the key points in a lecture that looks at the differences between the U.S. Constitution and the Texas Constitution.
Ohio State University
Osu History Teaching Institute: Articles of Confederation vs. the u.s. Constitution
Fourth graders will be introduced to the primary documents of the Articles of Confederation and the US Constitution. They will figure out the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and compare them to the US Constitution. Students...
Ducksters
Ducksters: Us Government for Kids: Constitution
Read about the history of the United States Constitution, then try the multiple-choice quiz. Includes an audio narration of the text and a link to a biography of James Madison, as well as links to other resources.