The U.S. Constitution

Why Do We Need Rules?

Every school has rules to keep students safe and help them learn. Imagine if there were no rules—people might not know what to do, and things could become confusing. The United States has rules too. These rules are written in a very important document called the U.S. Constitution.

What does the U.S. Constitution do for the country?

• It makes lunch for everyone.

• It creates rules and laws for people to follow.

• It tells everyone what sports to play.

A Plan for Government

The Constitution is like a rulebook for the United States. It explains how the government should work and how leaders should make fair laws.

What is the Constitution often compared to?

• A storybook

• A rulebook

• A science experiment

The Beginning of the Constitution

The Constitution starts with a special introduction called the Preamble. The Preamble explains why the Constitution was written. It says that the government should keep people safe and make sure everyone is treated fairly.

What is the first part of the Constitution called?

 Who Makes the Laws?

The Constitution says that Congress makes the laws. Congress is made up of leaders who work together to decide what rules will help the country.

Who makes laws in the U.S. government?

• The President

• Congress

• The People

The President’s Job

The Constitution gives the President the job of making sure laws are followed. The President also leads the country and makes important decisions.

What does the President do?

• Makes sure laws are followed

• Writes new laws

• Runs a school

Judges and Courts

The Constitution creates a group of judges called the Supreme Court. They make sure laws are fair and follow the rules of the Constitution

What does the Supreme Court do?

• Teaches people how to drive

• Makes sure laws are fair

• Writes new laws

Rights and Freedoms

The Constitution also protects people's rights. It gives people the freedom to speak, believe, and make choices. These rights help keep people free.

What does the Constitution protect?

• People’s rights

• People’s cars

• People’s food

Changing the Constitution

Sometimes, the Constitution needs to be updated. These changes are called amendments. One amendment gave women the right to vote!

What is a change to the Constitution called?

• A new rule

• An amendment

• A story

The Constitution is Important

The Constitution has been used for over 200 years. It helps the country run smoothly and makes sure people are treated fairly.

How long has the Constitution been used?

• Over 200 years

• 10 years

• 5 years

We the People

The Constitution begins with the words “We the People.” This means that the government gets its power from the people, and leaders should listen to them.

What words start the Constitution?