The Constitution and the Bill of Rights

The US Constitution and Bill of Rights

In 1787 the Constitutional Convention met in Philadelphia.

• They wanted to form a new government that was a republic.

• A republic is a kind of government in which the citizens vote and help decide what happens in the nation.

The delegates wrote the Constitution.

• The Constitution tells exactly what each branch of government is allowed and not allowed to do.

• Some members who signed were Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton.

Multiple Choice

What word means a kind of government in which the citizens vote and help decide what happens in the nation?

• republic

• monarchy

Multiple Select

Who were 3 of the signers of the Constitution?

• Thomas Jefferson

• James Madison

• Benjamin Franklin

• George Washington

• Alexander Hamilton

The Bill of Rights

• Some states ratified the Constitution. To ratify means to approve.

• Some states had problems with it and wanted changes made. Because of this, Amendments were made. An amendment is something that has been added.

• The Bill of Rights is the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution.