Simone Lawson
The Constitution is the framework for the federal government of the United States and the highest form of law in the country. It creates the branches of government, gives them the power to govern, and protects the citizens of the United States by guaranteeing their basic rights. However, according to a survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, many Americans are poorly informed about basic constitutional provisions. This emphasizes the need for high-quality civics education in schools. Junior Scholastic magazine, for instance, offers free access to authentic stories, activities, videos, differentiation tools, and more related to the Constitution and other important social studies topics for middle school students. Teachers can also access lesson plans that help students develop skills such as summarizing, analyzing details, and conducting research.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Teach young adults about the constitution in schools | 53% of adults think immigrants here illegally have no rights under the constitution, whereas in Yick Wo v. Hopkins (1886), the Supreme Court ruled that non-citizens are entitled to due process rights under the 14th Amendment |
| Include the constitution in current affairs | 37% of adults can't name any of the rights guaranteed under the First Amendment |
| Make learning about the constitution engaging | Only 26% of adults can name all three branches of government |
| Relate the constitution to young people's lives | 79% of adults know that citizens who are atheists have the same rights as other citizens, and 76% know the same for citizens who are Muslim |
| Highlight that the constitution is a living document | 48% of adults say freedom of speech is a right guaranteed by the First Amendment, but only 3% say the right to petition the government is |
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What You'll Learn
The Constitution is a living document
The Constitution is often referred to as a "living document" because it can be amended. The world has changed in countless ways since the Constitution was first adopted over 200 years ago, and the document has evolved, changed, and adapted to new circumstances. While the amendment process is challenging, there have been 27 amendments to the Constitution in over two centuries. The most important amendments were added almost a century and a half ago, in the wake of the Civil War.
The idea of a living Constitution is opposed by originalists, who believe that the document's meaning is fixed and does not need to adapt or change except through formal amendments. Originalism is the view that constitutional provisions mean what the people who adopted them understood them to mean. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, an originalist, described the Constitution as "that rock to which the republic is anchored". He rejected the idea that the Constitution is "an empty bottle to be filled up by each generation".
However, critics of originalism argue that it does not account for the accumulated wisdom of previous generations. Originalists believe that the command of a provision is issued when it becomes part of the Constitution, and that there is an unequivocal obligation to follow that command. But why should people who lived long ago, in a different world, decide fundamental questions about society and government today?
Young adults can be taught about the living nature of the Constitution through educational resources such as Junior Scholastic magazine, which features teen-focused nonfiction stories about current events and historical topics like the U.S. Constitution. Lessons can also be designed to show that the Constitution is a living document, such as an Equal Rights Amendment lesson that highlights how Americans continually consult, interpret, and even advocate for changing the document.
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The three branches of government
The United States Constitution is a fascinating document, and it is important that young adults care about it and understand its role and relevance. The Constitution is a living document that is continually consulted, interpreted, and sometimes changed. It is a vital part of civic education and something that all young adults should be aware of.
One way to engage young people with the Constitution is to focus on the three branches of government and how they operate within the framework of the Constitution. The three branches of government are the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Each branch has specific powers and responsibilities, and together they form a system of checks and balances to ensure that no one branch becomes too powerful.
The executive branch is responsible for executing and enforcing the laws of the land. It is headed by the President, who is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and the head of state. The President is assisted by the Cabinet, which includes the Vice President, heads of executive departments, and other high-ranking government officials. The President nominates Cabinet members, who must then be approved by the Senate. The executive branch also includes independent agencies, boards, commissions, and committees.
The legislative branch is responsible for making laws. In the United States, this branch is made up of Congress, which is divided into two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Congress creates legislation, which is then sent to the President for approval. If the President disagrees with the legislation, they can veto it, sending it back to Congress for changes. Congress also has the power to override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both houses.
The judicial branch interprets the laws and ensures that they are applied fairly and impartially. This branch is made up of the Supreme Court and other federal courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land, and its nine justices hear cases that pertain to issues related to the Constitution. Lower federal courts are located in each state to hear cases involving federal issues. The judicial branch plays a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution and ensuring that the other branches of government act within its framework.
By understanding the three branches of government and their interactions, young adults can appreciate the complex system of checks and balances that the Constitution created. This knowledge empowers them to recognize their rights and freedoms and engage with the political process, ensuring that their voices are heard and their interests are represented.
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The Constitution's historical context
The US Constitution was drafted in 1787 by 55 men who met in Philadelphia, creating a framework for the US government. The Constitution has three independent branches of government, with Congress expected to be the dominant branch. The US Constitution is the oldest written national framework of government in the world, with the country being governed by a single framework for over two centuries.
The Constitution was created to replace the Articles of Confederation, which had been in force since 1781. The Articles of Confederation established a league of friendship and a constitution for the 13 sovereign and independent states after the Revolution. However, James Madison believed that the central government had insufficient power under the Articles of Confederation. The central government lacked the power to regulate commerce, levy taxes, or effectively support a war effort, and it had little power to settle disputes between states.
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 addressed the issue of state sovereignty by creating a system of checks and balances. The new government would be made up of pre-existing states, with the regular admission of new states. The Northwest Ordinance presented the convention with the challenge of potentially adding several new states in the Northwest Territory. Additionally, most delegates anticipated the addition of the territories of Canada, Louisiana, and Florida to the United States.
The Constitution also established the presidential form of government, with Article II creating the presidency. The president's powers were stated more briefly than those of Congress, but they included the power to make treaties, appoint ambassadors, and serve as commander-in-chief of the army and navy. The contentious issue of slavery was too controversial to be resolved during the convention and was left unresolved.
The principles of American constitutionalism, including the separation of powers, the bill of rights, a bicameral legislature, and a presidential form of government, have influenced many nations worldwide. The US Constitution has served as a model for freedom-loving people and has lasted for over two centuries, despite the country's rapid transformation in terms of population growth and other factors.
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How the Constitution affects young people
The US Constitution is the oldest written constitution among the world's major countries, and it is the foundation of every single law in America. It is a document that remains at the bedrock of the way the country is run and has an impact on all citizens, including young people.
The Constitution was created to share power among three branches of government: the executive (President), legislative (Congress), and judicial (Supreme Court). This system of checks and balances ensures that no one branch has too much power, and it directly affects young people's lives through the laws and policies that are implemented.
Young people in the US have the same basic constitutional rights as adults. They have the right to due process under the law and the right to legal counsel. They are also protected against cruel and unusual punishment and unreasonable searches and seizures. The Constitution ensures that young citizens who are atheists or Muslim have the same rights as everyone else. Additionally, young people have the right to free speech and expression, although this right has been limited by the Supreme Court in schools.
The Constitution is a living document that Americans continually interpret and seek to change. Young people can get involved in social activism and civic responsibility, advocating for issues they care about and writing to legislators to make their voices heard. They can also learn about the Constitution's history, such as why James Madison is called the Father of the Constitution and the addition of the Bill of Rights. By understanding the Constitution's role and relevance, young adults can become engaged citizens, thinkers, and changemakers.
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The Constitution and social activism
The Constitution is the framework for the federal government of the United States. It creates the branches of government, giving them the power to govern, while also protecting citizens' rights and freedoms. The Constitution is a living document that Americans continually consult, interpret, and even want to change. It is important for young adults to care about the Constitution, as it is the highest form of law in the country and has a direct impact on their lives.
To engage young adults in the importance of the Constitution, educators can use interactive tools and activities to make learning about the Constitution more accessible and exciting. For example, Junior Scholastic magazine features teen-focused nonfiction stories about current events and historical topics related to the Constitution, helping to inspire the next generation of engaged citizens, thinkers, and changemakers. The Equal Rights Amendment lesson is another powerful way to teach students about the Constitution and social activism. This lesson profiles a group of middle school girls advocating for the ratification of the ERA, sparking discussions about social activism and civic responsibility.
Additionally, educators can encourage students to connect the Constitution to their own lives by choosing an issue they care about and writing persuasive letters or emails to legislators. This helps students understand how the Constitution applies to their everyday lives and empowers them to use their voices to drive change.
Furthermore, it is essential to provide high-quality civics education in schools. The Annenberg Public Policy Center's survey found that many Americans are poorly informed about basic constitutional provisions, emphasizing the need for better education. By teaching young adults about their rights and the protections provided by the Constitution, they can become more engaged citizens who understand their role in upholding democracy.
Finally, it is worth noting that the courts are not solely responsible for saving democracy. While they play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and constitutional principles, it is up to elected representatives and individual citizens to actively participate in preserving democracy and demanding accountability from their leaders. Young adults can get involved by staying informed, participating in discussions, and advocating for their rights and the rights of others.
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Frequently asked questions
The Constitution is the highest form of law in the country and creates the framework for the federal government of the United States. It protects the citizens of the United States and guarantees their basic rights.
Young adults can be encouraged to care about the Constitution by understanding its relevance in their lives. For instance, the Constitution ensures that US citizens who are atheists or Muslims have the same rights as other citizens. Teaching young adults about the Constitution through engaging activities, videos, and stories can also spark their interest and help them understand its importance.
There are various resources available to teach young adults about the Constitution, such as the Junior Scholastic magazine, which features teen-focused nonfiction stories, activities, and videos related to the Constitution. Teachers can also use lesson plans that include discussions about social activism and civic responsibility, as well as activities like the "Preamble Challenge."
The Constitution has some fascinating aspects, such as why James Madison is called the Father of the Constitution, when the Bill of Rights was added, and what a veto is. It is a living document that Americans continually consult, interpret, and even advocate for changing, as seen with the Equal Rights Amendment.
