Patti Weeg Wicomico County MD

On September 17, of the 55 founding fathers signed the United States Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA. These were brave men who changed our history. Today we remember this important document and what it means for all citizens of the United States. It is the highest law in the United States.

Here is a picture of the first part of the US Constitution. Above is a painting of the signing of the Constitution.

We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States At 2 PM on September 18, General Colin Powell will lead our whole country as he recites the Preamble to the US Constitution. The Preamble is an introduction to the Constitution. You can see an interactive US Constitution on the Web.interactive US Constitution Click to hear it read for you.

Today we will: learn about the importance and roles of government discuss symbols of American values think about rules for a classroom constitution 1.0 CONTENT STANDARD: POLITICAL SCIENCE ‐ Students will understand the historical development and current status of the fundamental concepts and processes of authority, power, and influence, with particular emphasis on the democratic skills and attitudes necessary to become responsible citizens. A. The Foundations and Function of Government 2. Analyze the historic events, documents, and practices that are the foundations of our political systems c. Explain the significance of principles in the development of the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, Preamble, U.S. Constitution Grade 5: Social Studies

What is Government?

What happens when there are no rules? Choose the answer that does NOT fit. 1.There is chaos. 2.People can be confused. 3.Everybody is happy. 4.People can get hurt.

How do rules make our world a better place? Talk about this together with your teacher and your classmates.

Why did our Founding Fathers feel that our country needed common rules? 1.To protect computer passwords 2.To protect everyone 3.To keep people from using credit cards too much

Your job is to be a good school citizen. How can you do this? Talk about this with your teacher and your classmates.

What are some responsibilities of our government? 1.To tell people what to wear 2.To make and enforce laws 3.To make sure that all children have toys

American Values

Which one of these is NOT a symbol of an American value?

The 50 stars in our US flag represent: 1.The constellations 2.50 colonies 3.50 states

The 13 stripes on our US flag represent 1.13 original railroads 2.13 original colonies 3.13 types of trees in the US

The 13 Original Colonies were: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, South Carolina, New Hampshire, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, and Rhode Island Delaware State Flag For our Delmar friends! Maryland State Flag

A Classroom Constitution Creating…

What rules does your classroom have? Discuss them with your teacher and your classmates.

September 17, 1787

Citations Images: MS PowerPoint Videos: TLC Elementary School: Understanding Government. Discovery Channel School unitedstreaming. 2 September 2006 Sound file: