Do you know your rights and responsibilities as an American citizen? The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution were designed to protect U.S. citizens from government abuses of power.
Why is a Civic Education Important?
A civic education aims to help citizens of all ages gain the knowledge and skills they need to participate responsibly and effectively in the community, government, and politics.
Each year, the Bill of Rights Institute holds a Being An American Essay Contest, along with resources for helping kids learn about and explore the founding principles.
What is the U.S. Constitution?
Did you know that Americans consent to be governed? The U.S. Constitution is a social contract between American citizens and their government. It outlines the supreme law of the land and defines the principles, structure, powers, and duties of the government.
Americans agree to follow U.S. laws. However, in order to protect themselves from unfair laws and abuses of government power, they must know their rights and responsibilities.
What is the Bill of Rights?
The principle author of the U.S. Constitution, James Madison, was also responsible for the first ten amendments (the Bill of Rights). James Madison was known as the "Father of the Constitution" and the "Father of the Bill of Rights." He was one of the Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, declaring American independence from Great Britain. Madison was the fourth president of the United States, in office from March 4, 1809 to March 4, 1817, and he was the first president to serve in the U.S. Congress.
James Madison introduced the Bill of Rights to the first United States Congress in 1789. In the preamble, he introduced the amendments:
THE Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution.
The Bill of Rights came into effect on December 15, 1791. Those ten amendments limit government power and protect citizens' natural rights of liberty and property, including
- freedom of speech
- freedom of religion
- a free press
- free assembly
- free association
- protection for persons accused of crimes
Websites About U.S. Government and the Bill of Rights
Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids covers a variety of topics, including the Bill of Rights, categorized by grade levels with special sections for parents and teachers.
The Charters of Freedom lets you see the Bill of Rights via a high-resolution image, read the transcript, and learn more about the creation and political controversy surrounding the Bill of Rights.
OurDocuments.gov provides similar resources including images and information about the Bill of Rights and other milestone documents, as well as a page of educator tools.
The Do-It-Yourself Free Online Homeschooling Curriculum provides additional resources for finding information about U.S. government and law.
The Bill of Rights, along with the U.S. Constitution, represent the supreme law of the United States of America. They limit and define federal government and protect the natural rights of American citizens. Civic literacy, knowledge and understanding of the powers and duties of government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens, leads to a freer and happier country.
You might also enjoy: Constitution Day Lesson Plans
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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