Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Elbridge Gerry
Elbridge Gerry is remembered today for his controversial attempt as governor to draw congressional districts in Massachusetts to the advantage of his party. Indeed, "gerrymandering" is a common political tactic today and undeniably part...
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Roger Sherman
Although not the most charismatic or eloquent Founder, Roger Sherman was highly esteemed by his contemporaries. At Sherman's death, Ezra Stiles, president of Yale College, wrote, "He was an extraordinary man-a venerable uncorrupted...
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: John Dickinson
John Dickinson was called "The Penman of the American Revolution." During the 1760s and 1770s, he authored numerous important essays in defense of American rights, including The Late Regulations Respecting the British Colonies, the...
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Charles Pinckney
Born near Charles Town (now Charleston), South Carolina, Charles Pinckney was the child of a wealthy family. He received a first-rate education and became an accomplished lawyer. Pinckney joined the state militia during the American...
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Charles Carroll
Charles Carroll is primarily remembered today for his political leadership in Maryland during the Revolutionary era. A wealthy planter, Carroll became a major figure in the patriot movement in 1773 when he penned the First Citizen...
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Founding Principles
Below, you will find suggested definitions of each principle. Click here to read the words of James Madison, a primary contributor to the Constitution, and other Founders on these principles.
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Texas v. Johnson
This Landmark Supreme Court Cases and the Constitution eLesson focuses on a case involving expressive conduct, and what is for many a deeply cherished symbol of America, the U.S. flag. In a closely divided (5-4) ruling, the Supreme Court...
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: The Virginia Bill of Rights
Primary source document establishing a basis and foundation of early American government. This document, adopted in Virginia and drafted by George Mason and Patrick Henry, precedes the Congressional call for independence.
Huntington Library
Huntington Library: A Nation Conceived in Liberty [Pdf]
In this instructional activity, 11th graders examine the events and political philosophy that laid the foundations of the American government, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. They also look at what role religion played in...
US National Archives
National Archives and Records Administration: America's Founding Documents
Original founding documents supported by explanations and articles. Includes the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Classroom: Our Constitution: Second Amendment (1791)
Text and summary of the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Site includes a timeline as well as a link to a second timeline that has hyperlinks to additional information.
National Constitution Center
National Constitution Center: Amendment X: Rights Reserved for States or People
Provides text to the Tenth Amendment with further interpretation about rights reserved for the states or the people.
National Constitution Center
National Constitution Center: Interactive Constitution
This is a wonderful way to explore the US Constitution. The actual text of the Constitution comes first, then an excellent explanation of the text follows. In addition, most of the Amendments have essays by scholars on opposing sides of...
Other
Ohio General Assembly Online: Ohio Constitution
This site offers Ohio's state constitution along with links to related information.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Us Government for Kids: United States Bill of Rights
Kids learn about the Bill of Rights of the United States government. The first 10 amendments to the Constitution.
University of Missouri
Exploring Constitutional Conflicts: Exploring Constitutional Law
Although the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, its interpretation is open to many opinions, causing great controversies. Students can read the Constitution as well as the many issues that surround the document. If that proves...
Library of Congress
Loc: Creating the United States
This resource examines the creativity and inspiration that went into the creation and writing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Bill of Rights in Action: Welfare
Lesson in which students read the history of welfare in the United States, answer questions for discussion and writing, and debate who should be responsible for the welfare of others. Small group, individual and whole class work.
A&E Television
History.com: How the u.s. Constitution Has Changed and Expanded Since 1787
Through amendments and legal rulings, the Constitution has transformed in some critical ways. The U.S. Constitution, written in 1787 and ratified by nine of the original 13 states a year later, is the world's longest-surviving written...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Constitution Lives
As part of the study of the Constitution, students will do research on and create a Constitutional scrapbook and multimedia presentation on the Bill of Rights. Students will use various media print resources as well as the Internet to...
Other
George Mason: Architect of Constitutional Liberty
A scholarly article on the life of George Mason, a delegate from Virginia to the Constitutional Convention. Mason is also considered the father of the Bill of Rights.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Democracy for Kids: Understanding Rights and Responsibilities
Scholastic offers a series of printable panels and classroom activities in PDF format that focus on a U.S. citizen's right to express his- or herself. Content focuses on the Bill of Rights and its provisions for freedom of religion,...
Thomson Reuters
Find Law: Constitution
This site provides extensive information regarding several American constitutional issues such as: impeachment, war powers, interstate commerce, and the amendment process. Hyperlinks can be found throughout each constitutional issue to...
Digital Public Library of America
Dpla: Creating the Us Constitution
The sources in this primary set document the creation of the US Constitution. Includes teaching guide.