Thematic Lists

Make it your QUEST to learn the Constitution through this fun and engaging game! This is an entertaining and educational game great for adults and teens who want to learn and understand the freedoms guaranteed by this precious document. Learn the American system of checks and balances the way the Founders intended: separation of powers, checks and balances, powers granted and denied, and the constitutional amendments. Constitution Quest has been field tested with players age 10 through age 84 with great success, with game cards designed for the novice or advanced player - even the person with little Constitutional knowledge can have fun playing with someone with a greater Constitutional IQ. Sharpen your own Constitutional savvy while you teach your kids! . Fun, interesting, engaging game to play. Play in less than an hour. Learn the Constitution as you play ... the more you play, the more you learn. Includes a complimentary copy of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Fun and educational for the classroom environment. Fantastic for home schooling. Great for entertainment for adults and teens who want to learn the Constitution

Every year, on September 17, the United States celebrates Constitution Day to commemorate the day the Constitution was approved. This fascinating book teaches readers about this important document and why it is celebrated. The information is supplemented with primary source documents, graphic organizers, and a list of fun ways to celebrate Constitution Day.

Explore the U.S. Constitution like never before! Amazing interactive features like color-changing words, flaps, wheels, and a special vocabulary decoder help kids learn about types of government, checks and balances, the Bill of Rights, the amendment process, and more! There's never been a better way--or a more important time--to discover the world-changing importance of this powerful founding document.

We the people at Who HQ bring readers the full story--arguments and all--of how the United States Constitution came into being. Signed on September 17, 1787--four years after the American War for Independence--the Constitution laid out the supreme law of the United States of America. Today it's easy for us to take this blueprint of our government for granted. But the Framers--fifty-five men from almost all of the original 13 states--argued fiercely for many months over what ended up being only a four-page document. Here is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the hotly fought issues--those between Northern and Southern States; big states and little ones--and the key players such as James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and George Washington who suffered through countless revisions to make the Constitution happen.

Tells the story behind the ultimate legal document of the United States. Each spread provides information about the context, wording, and lasting effects of the document paired with interesting sidebars, questions to consider, and historical images.

Be an active citizen. Know your Constitution!
Ever wonder why the president has a Cabinet? Why there's such thing as trial by jury? Why someday you'll have to pay income tax, or why there are no Dukes, Duchesses, Counts, or Countesses in the United States? Because the Constitution says so--and so much more. And now, in The Constitution Decoded, the ideas, concepts, and rules that make America are unpacked and explained in detail to help all of us, kids and parents too, become more informed citizens. Written with impeccable clarity and illustrated in a style that brings America's early days to life, this fascinating guide goes through the Constitution literally word by word, sentence by sentence, and idea by idea to give readers a true understanding of not only how the Framers envisioned the United States, but also why they made the choices they did. Here's why, for example, the United States has three branches of government--legislative, executive, and judicial. It explains how bills become laws, why we have the right to free speech, how we can change the Constitution as our country evolves, and so much more. Packed with historical context and figures, vocabulary, anecdotes, and trivia, this book is an accessible yet richly layered work.

Imagine a world without Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or even television. That was the world the framers of the United States Constitution lived in. Yet their work changed the course of history. Learn how those guys in wigs and tights came up with some of the best ideas ever. Come along on one of the most fun and engaging discoveries available to kids today about America's Constitution. Juliette Turner, Youth Advocate for Constituting America, takes a unique look at our founding document, presenting it in a beautifully organized fashion, with helpful illustrations and sidebars that support the main ideas. Packed with tons of easy-to-read, easy-to-understand information, Our Constitution Rocks breaks down the Constitution article by article into manageable sections in a way everyone can read and understand--students and parents alike. Our Constitution Rocks is for a new generation, a reminder of what it means to have a voice and live free. It still matters to kids today. Find out why. Our Constitution Rocks is presented in an easy-to- use format that makes the Constitution easy to understand Includes fun facts, quotes, cartoons, actual debates, great graphics, and much, much more

Examines the Constitutional origins of modern-day political problems and outlines solutions for these issues. Examines the Constitutional origins of modern-day political problems and outlines solutions for these issues. Husband-and-wife team Cynthia and Sanford Levinson take readers back to the creation of this historic document and discuss how contemporary problems were first introduced -- then they offer possible solutions. Think Electoral College, gerrymandering, even the Senate. Many of us take these features in our system for granted. But they came about through haggling in an overheated room in 1787, and we're still experiencing the ramifications. Each chapter in this timely and thoughtful exploration of the Constitution's creation begins with a story -- all but one of them true -- that connects directly back to a section of the document that forms the basis of our society and government

History books are replete with heroic stories of Washington, Jefferson, and Adams, but what of Allen, Russwurm, and Hawley? America's Black Founders celebrates the lesser known but significant lives and contributions of our nation's early African American leaders. Many know that the Revolutionary War's first martyr, Crispus Attucks, a dockworker of African descent, was killed at the Boston Massacre. But far fewer know that the final conflict of the war, the Battle of Yorktown, was hastened to a conclusion by James Armistead Lafayette, a slave and spy who reported the battle plans of General Cornwallis to George Washington. Author Nancy Sanders weaves the histories of dozens of men and women--soldiers, sailors, ministers, poets, merchants, doctors, and other community leaders--who have earned proper recognition among the founders of the United States of America. To get a better sense of what these individuals accomplished and the times in which they lived, readers will celebrate Constitution Day, cook colonial foods, publish a newspaper, petition their government, and more. This valuable resource also includes a time line of significant events, a list of historic sites to visit or explore online, and Web resources for further study.

Step into the colorful world of Basher's Civics and meet the champions of U.S. democracy! With his unique illustrations and humorous first-person text, Basher gives key political concepts such as Bill of Rights, Impeachment, Checks and Balances, and Supreme Court a face, voice, and personality. In chapter 1, meet the Founding Principles, including Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. In chapter 2, say hi to Legislative Branch, such as Congress, House of Representatives, and Senate. You'll find Executive Branch in chapter 3, home to President, Cabinet, and Governors. In chapter 4, meet Judicial Branch, including Supreme Court and Trial by Jury. Last, and by no means least, find out what it means to be a citizen in chapter 5--here you will learn all about Immigration, Universal Suffrage, Jury Duty, and how YOU can make changes to society.

See the U.S. Constitution in a new light with this bold, modern and accessible illustrated guide to the document that helped define democracy. With the unprecedented events and actions that have tested the American political system over the last several years, including the violent overtaking of the U.S. Capitol Building, there has never been a better time to take a closer look at the Constitution, the bedrock of U.S. politics. As part of the critical discussion of current events at school and at home, inquisitive minds will have their questions vividly answered - and new ones raised - by a mix of striking illustrations and clear, engaging text, including passages from the Constitution given in plain English. As well as a detailed history covering the original Constitution, the Bill of Rights and all Amendments, discover how this milestone in American democracy shapes and is shaped by the world at large. We The People shows that, far from a fusty old piece of paper, the U.S. Constitution is a living, evolving rule book that is as relevant today as it has ever been. A fresh take on a monumental document, navigating in style its history and its life today. Excerpts from the Constitution are presented here in plain English to help young thinkers better understand the role it plays in everyday life. Accessible, energetic text accompanied by contemporary, powerful illustrations allows children aged 10 and older to re-think the Constitution in a totally new way. A balanced examination that does not shy away from addressing the difficulties of interpreting and adapting the Constitution for the modern world. We The People takes the Constitution out of its display case, blows off the dust and re-imagines this piece of history for the next generation.

Which 462 words are so important that they've changed the course of American history more than once? The Bill of Rights: the first ten amendments to the Constitution, the crucial document that spells out how the United States is to be governed. Packed with anecdotes, sidebars, case studies, suggestions for further reading, and humorous illustrations, Kathleen Krull's introduction to the Bill of Rights brings an important topic vividly to life. Whether you're a middle grader or high schooler or even an adult, and whether you're looking to expand your knowledge or to reearch a report, the format of this "kids' guide" makes the information understandable and interesting. Find out what the Bill of Rights is and how it affects your daily life in this fascinating look at the history, significance, and mysteries of these laws that are designed to protect the individual freedoms of Americans--including young people. Some of the questions addressed in this easy-to-follow book: Why did early American founders argue that individuals needed a Bill of Rights to protect them from government? Why is freedom of speech so thrilling and so controversial? What is religious intolerance, and when can it be fatal? What does it really mean to take the Fifth? How does the Bill of Rights affect the rights of kids?

The author traces his family's experiences immigrating to the U.S. to introduce the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, explaining how it represents America's democratic values and discussing the importance of the documents' history

"It's a free country--I can say whatever I want!" Most Americans agree about the importance of free speech. But many don't understand the scope and limitations of this treasured liberty. Learn about the history, complexities, and conflicts related to free speech rights, from flag-burning to the treatment of hate speech. Then, decide where YOU stand on this important issue.

Simple text and photographs introduce the U.S. Constitution, its history, and significance

This book takes you behind the locked doors of Philadelphia's State House during the history-making summer of 1787. You will meet the key delegates and find out what is going on.

When the Delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution, they knew it was not perfect. They were concerned their government might be too powerful and not respect the rights of its citizens. So at the first session of the United States Congress in 1789, they voted on a set of ten amendments, aimed to preserve and protect the rights and liberties of all citizens. These ten amendments comprise the Bill of Rights. As our country has grown, American citizens have continued to rely on this landmark document as a means to defend the liberties of all, across boundaries of race and gender, age and class, religion and ethics. Focusing on examples of ordinary citizens who have had the courage to challenge their government and raise their voices at injustice, Russell Freedman's compelling text is essential reading for every American.

Religion is our most personal freedom. It's the first thing the Bill of Rights guarantees all Americans and the last thing we'd think the government could take away. Between wedding cakes, travel bans, public schools, and private employers, the role of faith in public life is constantly in the news. Americans of many different faiths, for many different reasons, are worried the government is going to interfere with their freedom to believe. Could the U.S. government really outlaw a religion? Is it already happening now? It's time to ask the Constitution.

Discusses the twenty-six amendments to the United States Constitution, how each amendment was added, the people responsible such as George Mason, James Madison, and Carrie Chapman Catt, and also provides for classroom learning activities.

World War II is over, but tensions between the communist Soviet Union and the US are at an all-time high. In America, communist threats are seen everywhere and a committee is formed in the nation's capital to investigate those threats. Larry Dane Brimner follows the story of 19 men--all from the film industry--who are summoned to appear before the House of Representatives Committee on Un-American Activities. All 19 believe that the committee's investigations into their political views and personal associations are a violation of their First Amendment rights. When the first 10 of these men refuse to give the committee the simple answers it wants, they are cited for contempt of Congress and blacklisted.

For over 200 years, people have marched, gone to jail, risked their lives, and even died trying to get the right to vote in the United States. Others, hungry to acquire or hold onto power, have gone to extraordinary lengths to prevent people from casting ballets or outright stolen votes and sometimes entire elections. Perfect for students who want to know more about voting rights, this nonfiction book contains an extensive view of suffrage from the Founding Fathers to the 19th Amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to today's voter suppression controversies, and explains the barriers people of color, Indigenous people, and immigrants face. Back matter includes a bibliography, source notes, texts of the Constitution and amendments, a timeline, and an index.

Thirteen leading authors of books for young people speak out about the experience of having their work challenged or banned in the United States today. In interviews is Marcus, they reflect on the nature of freedom of expression, the impact of censorship, and the support network that has grown up to defend against attempts to limit those rights. Readers will grasp more fully what is at stake when freedom of expression comes under threat, and of the history that lies behind contemporary First Amendment challenges.

A thrilling and incisive examination of the post-Reconstruction era struggle for and suppression of African American voting rights in the United States.Following the Civil War, the Reconstruction era raised a new question to those in power in the US: Should African Americans, so many of them former slaves, be granted the right to vote?In a bitter partisan fight over the legislature and Constitution, the answer eventually became yes, though only after two constitutional amendments, two Reconstruction Acts, two Civil Rights Acts, three Enforcement Acts, the impeachment of a president, and an army of occupation. Yet, even that was not enough to ensure that African American voices would be heard, or their lives protected. White supremacists loudly and intentionally prevented black Americans from voting -- and they were willing to kill to do so.In this vivid portrait of the systematic suppression of the African American vote for young adults, critically acclaimed author Lawrence Goldstone traces the injustices of the post-Reconstruction era through the eyes of incredible individuals, both heroic and barbaric, and examines the legal cases that made the Supreme Court a partner of white supremacists in the rise of Jim Crow. Though this is a story of America's past, Goldstone brilliantly draws direct links to today's creeping threats to suffrage in this important and, alas, timely book.

How did compliant colonials with strong ties to Europe get the notion to become an independent nation? Perhaps the seeds of liberty were planted in the 1735 historic courtroom battle for the freedom of the press. Or maybe the French and Indian War did it, when colonists were called "Americans"for the first time by the English, and the great English army proved itself not so formidable after all. But for sure when King George III started levying some heavy-handed taxes on the colonies, the break from the motherland was imminent. With such enthralling characters as George Washington, SamAdams, Patrick Henry, Eliza Pinckney, and Alexander Hamilton throughout, From Colonies to Country is an amazing story of a nation-making transformation.

With this book, Dr. Andi Stix and Frank Hrbek thoughtfully guide us through three distinct periods from the Constitution to the Civil War. It features expansive, multi-dimensional learning tools such as a Constitutional Scavenger Hunt, an immersive Oregon Trail Simulation, a comprehensive TV Documentary project, a reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg, and much more. Our hybrid print-and-online platforms offer distinctive resources and opportunities for every type of learner. An easy-to-navigate companion website to the book series hosts a wide range of content to enhance student emersion in the subject matter, including: plays peer assessment forms text at multiple reading levels project instructions skit cards score sheets journal and reflection prompts rubrics activity supplements unit and final exams The book brings materials from across this period of American history to life by stimulating and cultivating students' imaginations. The series Walking Through History presents student-centered, hands-on activities, active simulations, debates, and discussions, which provide an unparalleled engaging learning experience. Our objective is for students to walk in another's shoes through lessons based on a particular historical period. Field-tested and proven teaching strategies for virtual and in-person classrooms are highlighted across the series.

With more than 80 activities in each book, these valuable resources will enrich your curriculum. For each activity, literature links promote reading, while Internet links encourage the best use of technology. Individual and team projects for K-5 classrooms, connected to NCTE standards.
Includes an activity entitled "Citizenship or Constitution Day"

This book is designed to foster independent study, research, writing, and oral presentation skills in students in grades four through six. The lessons, which integrate several content areas, can be used for enrichment or extension in the classroom or as a homework assignment. The forty lessons, four for each of ten months, September through June, are connected to a famous person or event associated with that month. An index indicates the content areas and skills taught in each lesson.
Includes a section related to the Constitution

Includes a section entitled "Are the principles of the U.S. Constitution reflected in your school? "

The first books to present specific guidance for teaching the Common Core State Standards. Forty-three states plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands have signed on to adopt the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The need for curriculum guides to assist teachers in helping students meet these standards has become imperative. Created by teachers, for teachers, the research-based curriculum maps in this book present a comprehensive, coherent sequence of thematic units for teaching the skills outlined in the CCSS for English language arts in Grades K-5. The maps address every standard in the CCSS, yet are flexible and adaptable to accommodate diverse teaching styles. Each grade is broken down into six units that include focus standards, suggested works, sample activities and assessments, lesson plans, and more Teachers can use the maps to plan their year and craft their own more detailed lesson plans Any teacher, school, or district that chooses to follow the Common Core maps can be confident that they are adhering to the standards.
Has a unit entitled "The People, the Preamble, and the Presidents"

Students revisit the American Revolution through guided practice activities, complete lesson plans, reproducible worksheets, poems, songs, and an educational play packaged into this unique teacher resource book. This title integrates creative arts, innovative activities, and original music. The content is selected to coordinate with National Standards for History, Standards for Grades K-4 and National Standards for United States History, Standards for Grades 5-12. Two other important components of the book are a musical play and a pantomime. While entertaining students, it develops varied educational concepts and expands critical thinking skills. Students may: Stage the musical for an audience; act it out in class; or read it silently. All lyrics can be used as songs or read as poetry. Everything is reproducible. Complete musical scores as well as the complete script of the play is included and ready for use in student productions.
Includes a section on the Constitutional Convention

Make U.S. history fun for students with this extensive collection of engaging activities. You'll find activity after activity arranged by U.S. themes and eras: Native Americans, American Colonies, American Revolution, Historical Documents, Formation of a New Government, Westward Expansion, Civil War and Reconstruction, Industrialization, World War II, Great Depression, Nation Symbols. Use Find Someone Who to have students pair with many partners to answer questions about the Revolution. Use Think-Write-Round Robin to have students share with teammates their writing about the dangers of the Pony Express. Play Showdown in teams to respond to questions about the Constitution. Move beyond the textbook and dive deep into U.S. history with these interactive activities, all based on engaging Kagan Structures. Loaded with reproducibles.
Includes a section entitled "Historic Documents" that has activities related to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights

Practical strategies, activities, and assessments help teachers differentiate lessons to meet the individual needs, styles, and abilities of students. Each unit of study includes key concepts, discussion topics, vocabulary, and assessments in addition to a wide range of activities for visual, logical, verbal, musical, and kinesthetic learners. Helpful extras include generic strategies and activities for differentiating lessons and McREL content standards.
Includes an activity related to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights

Provides facsimiles of contemporary documents to assist in understanding the historical significance of the United States Constitution

U.S. Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O'Connor and Stephen G. Breyer spoke with several Philadelphia area high school students in June 2005 in Washington, D.C. The students and justices discussed the significance of the judiciary and the ways that independence is protected by the Constitution

Documents the 72-year struggle for women's suffrage which culminated in the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920. It illuminates the alliances, infighting, betrayals and defeats that paved the way for victory in the battle for women's right to vote. Historical footage is enhanced with vocal performances, and interviews with historians provide the viewer with both current and historical perspectives.

Discusses the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution of the United States. Also discusses all the subsequent amendments made to the U.S. Constitution. These amendments include such important national issues as slavery, prohibition, and the extension of voting rights to all citizens

These three 20- minute videos [on one DVD] examine key constitutional concepts. The first explains why the nation's framers created the Constitution. The second describes the protection of individual rights by highlighting the Supreme Court case of Gideon v. Wainwright, affirming the right to an attorney. The last explores the separation of powers by examining the Supreme Court case of Youngstown v. Sawyer, a challenge to President Truman's decision to take over steel mills during the Korean War

Collection of all 46 Schoolhouse rock! songs on the topics of science, multiplication, money, American history and English grammar. Plus, the new song "I'm gonna send your vote to college" about the American electoral college.
Includes a segment related to the Preamble to the Constitution

Includes a section entitled "The making and use of the constitution"