Patti Weeg Wicomico County MD

On September 17, 1787

39 of the 55 founding fathers signed the United States Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA.

These were brave men who changed our history. Today we remember this important document and what it means for all citizens of the United States. It is the highest law in the United States.

Here is a picture of the first part of the US Constitution.

Above is a painting of the signing of the Constitution.

We the People of the UnitedStates, in order to form a moreperfect union, establish justice,insure domestic tranquility, providefor the common defense, promotethe general welfare, and secure theblessings of liberty to ourselves andour posterity, do ordain and establishthis Constitution for the UnitedStates of America.

The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States

At 2 PM on September 18, General Colin Powell will lead our whole country as he recites the Preamble to the US Constitution. The Preamble is an introduction to the Constitution.

You can see an interactive US Constitution on the Web.

Click to hear it read for you.

Today we will:• learn about the importance and roles of government• discuss symbols of American values• think about rules for a classroom constitution

1.0  CONTENT  STANDARD:  POLITICAL  SCIENCE‐ Students  will  understand  the  historical  development  and  current  status  of  the  fundamental  concepts  and  processes   of  authority,  power,  and  influence,  with  particular  emphasis  on  the  democratic  skills  and  attitudes  necessary  to  become  responsible  citizens.   A. The Foundations and Function of Government 2. Analyze the historic events, documents, and practices that are the foundations of our political systems c. Explain the significance of principles in the development of the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Preamble, U.S. Constitution

Grade 5: Social Studies

What is Government?

What happens when there are no rules?

Choose the answer that does NOT fit.

1. There is chaos.

2. People can be confused.

3. Everybody is happy.

4. People can get hurt.

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How do rules make our world a better place?

Talk about this together with your teacher and your classmates.

Why did our Founding Fathers feel that our country needed common

rules?1. To protect computer passwords

2. To protect everyone

3. To keep people from using credit cards too much

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Your job is to be a good school citizen. How can you do this?

Talk about this with your teacher and your classmates.

What are some responsibilities of our government?

1. To tell people what to wear

2. To make and enforce laws

3. To make sure that all children have toys

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American Values

Which one of these is NOT a symbol of an American value?

1.

2.

3.

4.

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The 50 stars in our US flag represent:

1. The constellations

2. 50 colonies

3. 50 states

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The 13 stripes on our US flag represent

1. 13 original railroads

2. 13 original colonies

3. 13 types of trees in the US

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The 13 Original Colonies were:

Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland , South Carolina, New Hampshire, New York, Virginia , North Carolina, and Rhode Island

Delaware State FlagFor our Delmar friends!

Maryland State Flag

A Classroom Constitution

Creating…

What rules does your classroom have?

Discuss them with your teacher and your classmates.

September 17, 1787

CitationsImages:

•MS PowerPoint

•http://www.ace-clipart.com/patriotic-clipart-art-03.html

•http://www.civiced.org/byrd2006/

•http://www.usconstitution.net/constkids4.html

•http://www.constitutionday.com/

•http://www.usconstitution.net/gifs/docs/cpage1.jpg

Videos:

• TLC Elementary School: Understanding Government . Discovery Channel School. 2006. unitedstreaming. 2 September 2006 <http://www.unitedstreaming.com/>

Sound file: http://www.law.uchicago.edu/constitution/index.html