The Constitution and Forming Our Government
CALIFORNIA EDUCATION STANDARDS
5.7 Students describe the people and events associated with the development of the U.S. Constitution and analyze the Constitution's significance as the foundation of the American republic.
- List the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation as set forth by their critics.
- Explain the significance of the new Constitution of 1787, including the struggles over its ratification and the reasons for the addition of the Bill of Rights.
- Understand the fundamental principles of American constitutional democracy, including how the government derives its power from the people and the primacy of individual liberty.
- Understand how the Constitution is designed to secure our liberty by both empowering and limiting central government and compare the powers granted to citizens, Congress, the president, and the Supreme Court with those reserved to the states.
- Discuss the meaning of the American creed that calls on citizens to safeguard the liberty of individual Americans within a unified nation, to respect the rule of law, and to preserve the Constitution.
- Know the songs that express American ideals (e.g., "America the Beautiful," "The Star Spangled Banner").
8.2 Students analyze the political principles underlying the U.S. Constitution and compare the enumerated and implied powers of the federal government.
2. Analyze the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution and the success of each in implementing the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.
6. Enumerate the powers of government set forth in the Constitution and the fundamental liberties ensured by the Bill of Rights.
8.3 Students understand the foundation of the American political system and the ways in which citizens participate in it.
CONSTITUTION - FORMING OF GOVERNMENT
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The Preamble
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