Constitution Day

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​Constitution Day
Thursday, September 17, 2026

​Objectives/Goals

​1. Identify the principles of democracy found in the United States Constitution
2. Explain the influence of the Constitution around the world

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​Essential Question:
Why is the Constitution important in my life?

Open Ended

What do you think George Washington meant?

The establishment of our new Government seemed to be the last great experiment for promoting human happiness.

- George Washington

1. Why September 17th?

   1. This day celebrates the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787.

2. What is the Constitution?

   1. The Constitution is a set of rules on how the United States operates.

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Why do we celebrate Constitution Day?

1. The type of government of the United States is a democracy

   1. Democracy translates into "Government by the people"

2. George Washington called "American Democracy" an experiment because...

   1. It seemed to be a 'crazy' idea

      1. It (Democracy) could fail

   2. In the 1700's there were no countries with a successful democracy

   3. It was a test idea to see if the idea would work and how to improve it

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What is a democracy?

1. The American Colonies were ruled by King George III of England

2. Monarchy: placing all governing power on one person

   1. Monarchs (leaders) can be good or bad

   2. Monarchs cannot be removed through elections

   3. No guarantee of Freedom of Speech

   4. Laws are decided by the monarch and can be changed by the monarch

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American Government Before the Revolution

1. Authoritarianism: a form of government where citizens have no say in governing and have only the rights that the leader agrees to grant them.

   1. Strict obedience to the ruler

   2. Severe punishment given

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The Opposite of a Democracy: Authoritarianism

Poll

What do you think the most common form of government is, around the world?

• Monarchy

• Athoritarianism

• Democracy

Labeling

What does this chart show us about how people in democracies feel about their governments

Drag labels to their correct position on the image

Title of the chart

Year of Research

United Kingdom

United States

1. Power comes from the People

   1. Civil rights and liberties

      1. Liberty = freedom of people to think, speak and act without excessive government control

   2. Protection of Fundamental Rights

   3. Equality

2. Division of Powers

   1. Federalism: Federal, State, and Local Government

   2. Checks and Balances

3. Independent Judges/Judicial Review

   1. Courts can review the laws and make sure they are Constitutional

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Principles of Democracy

1. France (1791)

   1. The French Revolution was inspired by the American Revolution

   2. French National Assembly used ideas of the US Constitution

2. Canada (1867)

   1. The Constitution Act took ideas from the British Parliament and American Federalism

3. Brazil (1891)

   1. Created a Federal Republic similar to the U.S.

4. India (1950)

   1. Uses the idea of Federalism

5. Japan (1947)

   1. Japan's Constitution was co-authored by American officials

Impact of the Constitution

1. How do Presidents Protect the Constitution and our rights?

   1. Take the Oath of Office - I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.

2. How do citizens protect the Constitution and our rights?

   1. Citizens have a responsibility to study, learn, and understand the Constitution, so they know what rights United States citizens have

​Preserve, Protect and Defend

Open Ended

What do you think Benjamin Franklin meant?

After signing the Constitution on September 17, 1787, a woman in Philadelphia approached Benjamin Franklin and asked him about the new government, “Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” He responded: “A republic, if you can keep it.”