Constitution Origin Story
Who is known as the Father of the Constitution?
James Madison
Who is James Madison?
The principal writer of the Constitution.
Which Amendment states that U.S. citizens have the right to Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, and Freedom of Religion?
The First Amendment
What is the introductory paragraph to the Constitution called?
The Preamble
What are the first three words of the Constitution, and why are these words important?
"We the People" are the first three words of the Constitution, and they're important because the Constitution was the first document in history in which the people established the government themselves.
How many delegates or representatives gathered in Philadelphia to debate what the new United States government would look like?
56 delegates
What are the three branches of government that James Madison created? *BONUS* if you can describe why this is importan.
Executive Branch, Legislative Branch, Judicial Branch
What are the first ten amendments to the Constitution called?
The Bill of Rights
Which promise made in the Preamble to the Constitution promises to protect citizens from enemies, foreign and domestic?
Provide for the common defense.
What is the name of the war fought for independence from the British Empire?
The American Revolutionary War
What were the meetings called in which representatives gathered to discuss and debate what the new government would look like?
The Constitutional Convention
What kind of government did James Madison "argue" for?
A strong central or federal government.
Who is the primary author of the Bill of Rights?
James Madison
What does "Ensure domestic tranquility" mean?
To keep peace at home (the United States).
Why did the American colonists fight a war against the British Empire?
The American colonists wanted independence from the British rule
What are the Federalist Papers?
A series of newspaper articles to persuade readers to accept the new Constitution.
How many of the 89 essays, known as the Federalist Papers, did James Madison write?
James Madison is credited with writing 29 of the Federalist Papers.
What does the 5th Amendment of the Bill of Rights state?
You have the right to remain silent or not self-incriminate.
What does "Promote the General Welfare" mean?
This refers to the government's concern for the health, peace, and safety of its citizens.
How many Amendments does the Constitution have?
27
Which state did James Madison create a Constitution for which our Constitution is modeled after today?
Virginia
Name one other person considered to be the Constitution's principal framer.
Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, George Washington
Which Amendments state that all rights and freedoms not mentioned in the Constitution revert back to the people?
Amendments 9 and 10
What does "Secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity" mean?
This statement refers to protecting liberties for the citizens at the time and future generations.
What is democracy?
A system of government that depends on the will or power of the people.