Agenda for 3/14

1. The Constitution

The Constitution is the American document that explains the rules of the government and rights of the people.

It was written in 1787 when America first became a country, by the men who were first in charge of the American government.

A. Rules of the government - these are what the government is allowed to do. All of the laws in America must follow the rules in the Constitution.

For example: the Constitution explains the rules for what the President can do.

and

B. Rights of the people - these are the freedoms that all Americans are born with. It is illegal for the government to take away any of these rights.

For example: the Constitution says that Americans have the freedom to own a gun.

2. The Preamble to the Constitution

The Preamble was the introduction (first paragraph) of the Constitution. Here's what it said:

"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

What does this mean?

The people of the United States join together to form a better country that will make sure that all states follow the same rules, people live with each other peacefully, people are treated fairly, people have freedom, and that the country is well defended.

2. Changes to the Constitution

• The Constitution can be changed. Any change to the Constitution is called and amendment.

• The Constitution has been changed 27 times, so it has 27 amendments.

3. Changes to the Constitution After the Civil War

• 13th Amendment - made slavery illegal everywhere in America
• 14th Amendment - said that slaves were citizens and they were equal to all other citizens
• 15th Amendment - said that all men (white and black) had the right to vote

4. Civil War Projects

You need to add the information below to your project:

14. What did the 13th Amendment change in America about slavery?

15. What did the 14th Amendment change about freed slaves in America?

16. What right did the 15h Amendment give black men who used to be slaves?

5. Audio for Civil War Projects

You also need to record your voice reading all of your Civil War Adobe Voice slides.

6. Civil War Project Due at the end of class TODAY!