Bill of Rights
What is an Amendment?
a change to the Constitution
Which document does the Preamble introduce?
U.S. Constitution
Who did the Founding Fathers write this Declaration to?
Great Britain, King George III
Who is the Father of the Constitution?
James Madison
What were the American colonists fighting for in the Revolutionary War?
Independence from Britain.
Which amendment protects the right to bear arms?
2nd Amendment
How does this document begin?
"We the People"
Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
Why was the Constitution written?
To provide rules and structure to our new government.
Where were several founding documents written and signed?
Philadelphia
Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?
To protect people’s basic rights and freedoms.
What does "provide for the common defense" mean?
Defend civilians from forces outside the U.S.
What were the colonists who were loyal to King George called?
Loyalists
Why does the Constitution divide our government into three branches (executive, legislative, judicial)?
So that power is divided equally
Name the three branches of government?
Executive, Legislative, Judicial
Which larger document is the Bill of Rights part of?
The U.S. Constitution
What does "posterity" mean?
future generations
When was the Declaration of Independence written and signed?
1776
Why is the Constitution called a “living document”?
It can be changed (amended) as the country grows and changes.
The Treaty of _______ officially ended the Revolutionary War.
Paris
When was the Bill of Rights ratified (approved)?
1791
Who are the people in "We the People"?
Citizens of the United States
What were colonists who wanted independence from King George called?
Patriots
How does the Constitution protect citizens from an abusive or too-powerful government?
It divides power, adds checks and balances, and protects citizens' rights.
What was the name of the first plan of government before the Constitution?
Articles of Confederation