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US Constitution Simplified for Kids: The Bill of Rights |
US Constitution Simplified for Kids: When was the US Constitution written? US Constitution Simplified: The Structure US Constitution Simplified: The Structure 1. The Preamble - The US Constitution has an introduction called the 'Preamble' that explains why it was written. 2. The 'Articles' - The Constitution has seven parts, called "Articles". 3. The Bill of Rights - The first 10 Amendments to the US Constitution are called the 'Bill of Rights and guarantee basic liberties to American citizens 4. Amendments 11 - 27 - Changes or additions to the Constitution are called Constitutional Amendments US Constitution Simplified: The Elements and Summary of the Constitution US Constitution Simplified Preamble to the Constitution - The Preamble - Explains that the Constitution proposes to establish a more perfect government complete with justice, tranquility, and liberty. Article I - ARTICLE 1 - Establishes the Legislative Branch (the Senate and the House of Representatives). Article II - ARTICLE 2 - Establishes the Executive Branch (Administration, headed by the President). Article II - ARTICLE 3 - Establishes the Judicial Branch (the system of courts and judges). Article IV - ARTICLE 4 - Establishes the relationship between the states and the federal government. Describes how to admit new states to the Union. Article V - ARTICLE 5 - How to amend the Constitution, called Constitutional Amendments. Article VI - ARTICLE 6 - Establishes the Constitution as the supreme law of the USA and that Public officials must take an oath to support the US Constitution. It also Authorizes the national debt meaning that Congress can borrow money. Article VII - ARTICLE 7 - Lists the requirements for ratification of the Constitution. Bill of Rights Amendments 1-10 - BILL OF RIGHTS - US Constitution Simplified: AMENDMENTS 1-10 were added to the Constitution in 1791 and are collectively called the Bill of Rights which reserves the rights of the people. Amendment 1 - 1st Amendment - Freedom of speech, religion and the press Amendment 2 - 2nd Amendment - The Right to bear arms Amendment 3 - 3rd Amendment - Limits the quartering (housing) of soldiers Amendment 4 - 4th Amendment - Search and seizure of property only when there is 'probable cause' Amendment 5 - 5th Amendment - Right to a trial by Jury, no self-testimony, double-jeopardy clause (a person be tried twice for the same crime), right to compensation. Extended to include the Miranda Rights Amendment 6 - 6th Amendment - Right to a speedy and fair trial by jury and confrontation of witnesses Amendment 7 - 7th Amendment - Trial by Jury in Civil Cases & the rights of those being sued. Amendment 8 - 8th Amendment - Prohibits excessive fines or cruel and unusual punishment Amendment 9 - 9th Amendment - Constitution does not include all of the rights of the people and the states Amendment 10 - 10th Amendment - The powers of the Federal Government, individual States and the People. US Constitution Simplified - AMENDMENTS 11-27 - Amendment 11 - 11th Amendment - Judicial limits - prohibits the citizen of one state, or another country, from suing another state in Federal court Amendment 12 - 12thAmendment - Method for choosing the President, Vice President Amendment 13 - 13th Amendment - Abolished slavery Amendment 14 - 14th Amendment - Rights of citizenship to all people born in USA or naturalized Amendment 15 - 15th Amendment - Gives the right to vote to all citizens, regardless of color or race. Women are not mentioned Amendment 16 - 16th Amendment - Income tax authorized - Government can collect taxes on people's incomes Amendment 17 - 17th Amendment - Senators elected by the popular vote by the people, rather than by State Legislators Amendment 18 - 18th Amendment - Prohibition - Liquor prohibited (repealed by the 21st amendment) Amendment 19 - 19th Amendment - Women's suffrage (giving women voting rights) Amendment 20 - 20th Amendment - New terms of office for the President and Congress - changed date of inauguration to January 20. (aka Lame Duck amendment) Amendment 21 - 21st Amendment - Amendment 18 repealed, Prohibition is overturns Amendment 22 - 22nd Amendment - Presidential term limited - no one can be elected President more than twice Amendment 23 - 23rd Amendment - Presidential vote given to residents of Washington, D. C. Amendment 24 - 24th Amendment - Poll taxes barred (you cannot charge people to vote) Amendment 25 - 25th Amendment - Presidential disability and succession Amendment 26 - 26th Amendment - Voting age lowered to 18 years old Amendment 27 - 27th Amendment - Congressional pay increases go into effect only during the next Congressional session, meaning Congress cannot vote itself a pay rise - any pay rise would only count for the next congress. US Constitution Simplified US Constitution Simplified: The Purpose of the Constitution of America US Constitution Simplified: Aims and Purpose of the Constitution of America 1. To " Form a more perfect union". - Meaning: The union is solidly structured and everlasting 2. To "Establish justice" - Meaning: A system to hear complaints and resolve issues3. To "Ensure domestic tranquility" - Meaning: To live without fear in a peaceful community 4. To "Provide for the common defense" - Meaning: Citizens will be protected from attacks by enemies5. To "Promote the general welfare" - Meaning: Government policies will benefit all of the people 6. To "Secure the blessings of liberty" - Meaning: Present and future generations will enjoy independence and freedom.US Constitution Simplified for Kids - Video of the American Presidents |
