Informal changes to the Constitution have been reflected in all of the following EXCEPT

Constitution 101 Resources

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Classroom Activities

“I Have a Dream” Mobiles

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s historic "I Have a Dream" speech with a mobile that inspires you to think about your own dreams.

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Primary and Secondary Sources

Informal changes to the Constitution have been reflected in all of the following EXCEPT

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Lesson Plans

Informal changes to the Constitution have been reflected in all of the following EXCEPT

Lesson Plans

Informal changes to the Constitution have been reflected in all of the following EXCEPT

Lesson Plans

2019 Civic Holiday Calendar: The First Amendment

The 2019 Civic Calendar from the National Constitution Center not only highlights civic holidays throughout the year, but will also focus on historical events dealing with the First Amendment.

Informal changes to the Constitution have been reflected in all of the following EXCEPT

Classroom Activities

2022/2023 Civic Calendar

The National Constitution Center’s 2022-2023 Civic Calendar explores the 27 Amendments in 12 Months!

Informal changes to the Constitution have been reflected in all of the following EXCEPT

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Onsite Resources

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Ben Franklin Kites

Celebrate one of America's most famous Founding Fathers with a craft inspired by his kite experiment.

Primary and Secondary Sources

Bill of Rights

The first ten Amendments to the Constitution form the Bill of Rights.

Online Resources

Lesson Plans

Bill of Rights

Students learn about the specific rights and freedoms protected by the Bill of Rights, one of our nation's most important documents.

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Breaking Barriers

Students will get a look at how African-American individuals have broken barriers to racial integration in the United States.

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Cipher Wheel

Use this cipher wheel to create your own secret code!

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Constitutional Exchanges Introduction Thinking Sheet

As you read, interpret, and cite the documents in the Interactive Constitution, it is important to think about how the Constitution expands or limits the power of government. This is how Constitutional Scholars read, interpret, and cite the Constitution. But how can you do this? Here are some tips to help.

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Design Your Own Flag

As you learn about the symbolism and importance of our America's flag, you can design your own flag.

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First Amendment: Speech

This lesson encourages students to examine their own assumptions and to deepen their understanding of current accepted interpretations of speech rights under the First Amendment.

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INTERACTIVE CONSTITUTION: SECOND AMENDMENT

This lesson introduces students to different viewpoints and debates surrounding the 2nd Amendment by using the National Constitution Center’s Interactive Constitution. Students will build understanding of the resources and methods used by justices on the Supreme Court and Constitutional scholars when analyzing and forming opinions about articles, sections, and clauses of the Constitution.

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Landmark Court Case: Scott v. Sandford

Using video clips from the Landmark Supreme Court Cases series, a partnership between C-SPAN and the National Constitution Center, students will research and role-play to better understand the legal, social, and economic factors relating to--and implications of--the majority and dissenting opinions in this infamous case.

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Landmark Supreme Court Cases:  The Slaughter House Cases

Using video clips from the Landmark Supreme Court Cases series, a partnership between C-SPAN and the National Constitution Center, students will investigate the Supreme Court's interpretation of the 14th Amendment in the years after its ratification.

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Lesson Plans

Onsite Resources

Classroom Activities

Liberty Bell Sun Catchers

Make a dazzling sun catcher to commemorate the Liberty Bell and the constitutional ideals it symbolizes.

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Lesson Plans

Living News Classroom Teaching Materials

These Classroom Teaching Materials are designed to be used in conjunction with the Living News theatrical performance at the National Constitution Center or stand alone.

Lesson Plans

Living News Classroom Tool Kit

This lesson is designed to be used in conjunction with the Living News theatrical performance at the National Constitution Center.

Primary and Secondary Sources

Magna Carta

The Magna Carta, or “Great Charter,” established the rule of law.

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Mayflower Compact

This document was an agreement drafted by the settlers of the first New England colony.

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Classroom Activities

Patriotic Wreaths

Decorate and customize a wreath for Independence Day, Flag Day, Memorial Day, or Veterans Day.

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Classroom Activities

Preamble Scramble

Have fun getting to know the phrases of the Preamble while you unscramble the puzzle.

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Respecting Freedom of Speech

In this lesson, students will consider how respect and freedom of expression intersect and their role in maintaining a free society.

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Rule of Law: High School Level

This two-day lesson uses historical quotations to help students develop understandings of conceptions of the Rule of Law, then, through small group work and class-wide collaboration analyzing Supreme Court cases, students will reflect on how their understandings of Rule of Law relate to the Constitution, the judicial system, and their daily lives.

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Classroom Activities

Classroom Activities

Online Resources

Seize the Vote

Learn all about voting rights throughout history in this online game.

Lesson Plans

Separation of Powers

This lesson shows students firsthand how the three branches of government work together through separation of powers and checks and balances.

Onsite Resources

Onsite Resources

Classroom Activities

Thank-A-Vet Postcards

Honor veterans for supporting and defending the Constitution and protecting our freedom by thanking them with a special postcard.

Classroom Activities

The Constitution Happened Here

This interactive resource celebrates constitutional and local history in Philadelphia and beyond through student-generated multimedia content.

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The Federalist Papers

A series of newspaper articles drafted by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison, urging ratification of the new Constitution.

Lesson Plans

Lesson Plans

The History of Flag Day

This lesson encourages students to take a closer look at the American flag and its meaning.

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The History of Memorial Day

This lesson takes a closer look at the history of Memorial Day by examining World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War and their connections to this civic holiday.

Primary and Secondary Sources

The Reconstruction Amendments

These three constitutional amendments abolished slavery and guaranteed equal protection of the laws and the right to vote.

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Classroom Activities

Primary and Secondary Sources

Virginia Declaration of Rights

Drafted by George Mason, this declaration of rights later became a model for other state constitutions and the Bill of Rights.

Lesson Plans

Lesson Plans

We the School

We the School is an innovative new form of student government created at Constitution High School in Philadelphia.

Onsite Resources

Onsite Resources

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Lesson Plans

Onsite Resources

What is an informal change to the Constitution?

Informal constitutional change refers to a change in the normative meaning of the constitution, which occurs without following the procedure for constitutional revision.

What are the 4 primary ways that informal changes are made to the Constitution?

The informal amendment process can take place by:.
the passage of basic legislation by Congress;.
actions taken by the President;.
key decisions of the Supreme Court;.
the activities of political parties; and..
custom..

Which of these has no formal role in amending the Constitution?

The president has no formal role in amending the Constitution, although he or she may exert political influence in order to get amendments proposed and ratified.

What are the formal ways the Constitution has changed over time?

A formal change is called an amendment, or addition. To amend the Constitution, it has to be voted on by both houses of Congress by a two-thirds majority. If approved, it becomes a formal proposal, and is sent to the state legislatures to be ratified.