This course is for students, young and old alike, who wish to understand the Constitution. It explores briefly the origins of our country, and the steps that led to the formation of the Constitution.
Our Living Constitution, Grades 5 – 8: Then and Now
This book was written to more easily pass on the rich and timeless message of the U.S. Constitution and to demonstrate how it serves us today. Easy-to-use, it makes the legalistic language and complex structure of the document accessible for all students. Using a unique, two-column format, the full text of the Constitution is presented beside an explanation of its meaning in terms students will understand. Divided into lessons of varying length, it includes thought-provoking questions and directives for outside work. The book also begins with a study of the Declaration of Independence for historical perspective.
United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation
Our leaders swear to uphold it, our military to defend it. It is the blueprint for the shape and function of government itself and what defines Americans as Americans. But how many of us truly know our Constitution?
The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation uses the art of illustrated storytelling to breathe life into our nation’s cornerstone principles. Simply put, it is the most enjoyable and groundbreaking way to read the governing document of the United States. Spirited and visually witty, it roves article by article, amendment by amendment, to get at the meaning, background, and enduring relevance of the law of the land.
What revolutionary ideas made the Constitution’s authors dare to cast off centuries of rule by kings and queens? Why do we have an electoral college rather than a popular vote for president and vice president? How did a document that once sanctioned slavery, denied voting rights to women, and turned a blind eye to state governments running roughshod over the liberties of minorities transform into a bulwark of protection for all?
The United States Constitution answers all of these questions. Sure to surprise, challenge, and provoke, it is hands down the most memorable introduction to America’s founding document.
HennesseyFind on Amazon.com
Freedom to Dream
Great Little Madison (Unforgetable Americans)
In the days before microphones and TV interviews, getting people to listen to you was not an easy task. But James Madison used his quiet eloquence, intelligence and passion for unified colonies to help shape the Constitution, steer America through the turmoil of two wars, and ensure that our government, and nation, remained intact. u?An excellent, fascinating, indispensable resource.? –Kirkus Reviews, pointer review ?The book is rich in the sort of detail that illuminates the man, but is not limited to personal information; a great deal of government history is woven into the biography.? –Horn Book, starred review ?Fritz has given a vivid picture of the man and an equally vivid picture of the problems that faced the leaders of the new nation in the formative years.? –The Bulletin of the Center for Children?s Books, starred review ?Young readers will feel like they know the ?Great Little Madison? very well.? –School Library Journal
Creating the Constitution
This book puts the year 1787 in context, explaining the failure of the Articles of Confederation to address the many problems of the new American nation. Using a narrative format, Creating the Constitution details the events leading up to the writing of the U.S. Constitution and what American leaders went through to create it. The authors describe the conflicts between the new states and the delegates each sent to the Constitutional Convention, as well as the work that was done to resolve the many issues at hand. The text is enhanced with images of historical art & artifacts, maps, and photographs of historic and thematic significance.