The Constitution: Extra Credit
OVERVIEW: The constitution is the plan for government in
the United States. It can be divided into three main parts.
Students need to understand the importance of separation of
powers, checks and balances, and how national and state
governments are linked.
Choose one or all of the activities below:
1. Write a poem about the purposes of the constitution. Specifically address the main parts of the
constitution (all articles and general idea behind the Bill of Rights) and the purpose of each. (5
points)
2. Name the three branches of government established in the constitution. Write a one sentence
summary of the purpose of each. (3 points)
3. Find a national AND a state current news story (paper/on-line) that shows an example of the
government’s role. Write a brief summary of the powers of each. In addition, include how the state
and federal government relate and how they are different. Be sure to attach the news stories. (5
points)
The Constitution: Extra Credit
OVERVIEW: The constitution is the plan for government in
the United States. It can be divided into three main parts.
Students need to understand the importance of separation of
powers, checks and balances, and how national and state
governments are linked.
Choose one or all of the activities below:
1. Write a poem about the purposes of the constitution. Specifically address the main parts of the
constitution (all articles and general idea behind the Bill of Rights) and the purpose of each. (5
points)
2. Name the three branches of government established in the constitution. Write a one sentence
summary of the purpose of each. (3 points)
3. Find a national AND a state current news story (paper/on-line) that shows an example of the
government’s role. Write a brief summary of the powers of each. In addition, include how the state
and federal government relate and how they are different. Be sure to attach the news stories. (5
points)