Center for Civic Education: How Constitution Used to Organize the New Govt [Pdf]

This lesson describes how, using the guidelines provided in the Constitution, the First Congress in April 1789 named the new president and vice president, provided funding for the new government, organized the executive branch, organized judicial branches, and drafted a bill of rights. Students learn that the Constitution provided a general framework for the government, leaving any necessary details to be worked out later by the Congress and the other branches. Students also learn of the events not foreseen by the Framers, the significant growth of the executive branch and the federal judiciary.