Constitution Day Project
Poster/Colleague/PowerPoint/Other (approved)
- Project must identify Key points of the Constitution
- What does the Constitution Stand for?
o What were the goals of the Founders as stated in their Preamble?
o What issues plagued the Founders, and how did they address those issues?
o What are the guiding principles of the Constitution, and how did the Founders embed these principles in it?
o Why were these principles so important in the 18th century, and why are they important today?
o Why was it necessary for a Bill of Rights to be added to the original document?
o In what ways is the Constitution still a living document that guides our daily life?
o What constitutional issues are the most relevant for today's students?
Key Principles Embodied in the Constitution
o Republicanism - have representatives elected by, and accountable to, the citizens make the laws
o Federalism - the powers of government are divided between the central government and the state governments
o Separation of Powers - the powers of government are divided among three equal branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial
o Checks and Balances - powers are granted to each of the three branches to check and restrain the other two
o Sovereignty of the People - authority ultimately rests with the people
o Elasticity - Congress can make the laws that are "necessary and proper" for the execution of its delegated powers, and when necessary, the Constitution itself can be amended
o Protection of Individual Liberties - individuals are guaranteed rights including those related to personal expression, arrest and trial, and privacy
o 1-27 amendments