How does the Constitution establish the structure, power and
function of our government?
SS.2.C.3.1
Identify the Constitution as the document which establishes the structure, function, powers,
and limits of the American government.
LAFS.2.RI.1.1 – Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate
understanding of key details in a text.
LAFS.2.SL.1.2 – Recount or describe key ideas or details from a text read aloud or information presented orally or
through other media.
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SS.2.C.3.1
Identify the Constitution as the document which establishes the structure, function, powers, and limits of the
American government.
Correlated Florida Standards (See Full Text on Cover Page)
 LAFS.2.RI.1.1, LAFS.2.SL.1.2
Essential Question
How does the Constitution establish the structure, power and function of our government?
Learning Goal/Objective
 Students will be able to identify the U.S. Constitution as the document that establishes the United
States government.
Overview
Students will watch a video and complete a handout in order to understand the role of the U.S. Constitution
in establishing the United States government.
Materials
 U.S. Constitution Image
 TFK Explains: The U.S. Constitution: http://www.timeforkids.com/photos-video/video/tfk-explainsus-constitution-10392
 Constitution handout
Time
 15-20 minutes with additional time for extension activities
Activity Sequence
INTRODUCTION/HOOK
1. Project the image of the first page of the U.S Constitution.
2. Ask students if they can identify the document.
3. Share with students that they are looking at the U.S. Constitution, the document that outlines the
structure, function and powers of the United States government.
ACTIVITY
4. Explain to students that they will watch a video multiple times to understand some main ideas of the
U.S. Constitution.
5. Play the “TFK Explains: The U.S. Constitution” video, http://www.timeforkids.com/photosvideo/video/tfk-explains-us-constitution-103921.
6. Have students share some of the main ideas they heard and saw in the video.
7. Pass out the U.S. Constitution handout and explain to students that they will watch the video a second
time in order to answer the questions on the handout.
8. Play the “TFK Explains: The U.S. Constitution” video again and pause as needed to provide students
time to write answers to each question.
CLOSURE
9. Review the answers as a whole class.
10. Provide the following prompt and instruct students to write an answer as an exit slip: Why do we
have a constitution?
OPTIONAL EXTENSION SUGGESTIONS
1. Make a flow chart depicting the three branches of government
2. Have students research the life of one of the participants at the Constitutional Convention and write
about them.
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http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=9#
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US CONSTITUTION
When?
Where?
Why?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What did it
establish?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What are some
main ideas from
the Constitution?
1)
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US CONSTITUTION – Answer Key
When?
May 25, 1787 and September 17, 1787
Where?
Philadelphia, PA
Why
A Constitutional Convention was called to make changes to the Articles of
Confederation. The Articles of Confederation has some problems and did not provide
the best government.
What did it
establish?
The foundation for the national government. Lists the rights of the American people.
What are some
main ideas from
the Constitution?
 Strong national government
 Three branches:
 Executive Branch (President)
 Legislative Branch (Congress)
 Judicial Branch (Courts)
 The foundation of our system of government
 Includes amendments (changes)
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