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The Constitution EXPLAINED: Video Series

This comprehensive series of 35 short videos explains the text, history, and relevance of the United States Constitution, Bill of Rights, and additional amendments in everyday language. Each video is assignable and ends with a call-to-action question, prompting learners to further explore the topics.

Developed in partnership with the Center for Civic Education, and with the invaluable contributions of constitutional scholar Linda R. Monk, JD.

This video series was made possible by Kenneth C. Griffin.

 

Choose Grade Level:

  • Video

    Constitution EXPLAINED: Freedom of Expression

    The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and of the press. This idea is essential to the values that make up the U.S. democratic government.Engage all your students, including Spanish speakers and multilingual learners, and deepen learning with the accompanying bilingual Teacher Guides. Each guide includes vocabulary words, guiding questions, instructional and video-viewing strategies, as well as lesson ideas in Spanish and English.
  • Video

    Constitution EXPLAINED: Freedom of Religion

    The First Amendment protects freedom of religion by preventing an established or official faith and supporting free exercise of religion.Engage all your students, including Spanish speakers and multilingual learners, and deepen learning with the accompanying bilingual Teacher Guides. Each guide includes vocabulary words, guiding questions, instructional and video-viewing strategies, as well as lesson ideas in Spanish and English.
  • Video

    Constitution EXPLAINED: Ratification

    In order to officially become law, the Constitution had to be ratified, or approved, by the states.Engage all your students, including Spanish speakers and multilingual learners, and deepen learning with the accompanying bilingual Teacher Guides. Each guide includes vocabulary words, guiding questions, instructional and video-viewing strategies, as well as lesson ideas in Spanish and English.
  • Video

    Constitution EXPLAINED: The Secret Sauce

    Article V allows for peaceful change through constitutional amendments.Engage all your students, including Spanish speakers and multilingual learners, and deepen learning with the accompanying bilingual Teacher Guides. Each guide includes vocabulary words, guiding questions, instructional and video-viewing strategies, as well as lesson ideas in Spanish and English.
  • Video

    Constitution EXPLAINED: The Supreme Law of the Land

    The Supremacy Clause in Article VI makes federal law “the supreme law of the land” over state law.Engage all your students, including Spanish speakers and multilingual learners, and deepen learning with the accompanying bilingual Teacher Guides. Each guide includes vocabulary words, guiding questions, instructional and video-viewing strategies, as well as lesson ideas in Spanish and English.
  • Video

    Constitution EXPLAINED: Full Faith and Credit

    Article IV of the Constitution regulates the relationships between the states.Engage all your students, including Spanish speakers and multilingual learners, and deepen learning with the accompanying bilingual Teacher Guides. Each guide includes vocabulary words, guiding questions, instructional and video-viewing strategies, as well as lesson ideas in Spanish and English.
  • Video

    Constitution EXPLAINED: The Least Dangerous Branch

    Article III of the Constitution established judicial power – including judicial review – and life tenure for judges.Engage all your students, including Spanish speakers and multilingual learners, and deepen learning with the accompanying bilingual Teacher Guides. Each guide includes vocabulary words, guiding questions, instructional and video-viewing strategies, as well as lesson ideas in Spanish and English.
  • Video

    Constitution EXPLAINED: The Presidency Changes

    Amendments 20, 22, and 25 changed the office of the president.Engage all your students, including Spanish speakers and multilingual learners, and deepen learning with the accompanying bilingual Teacher Guides. Each guide includes vocabulary words, guiding questions, instructional and video-viewing strategies, as well as lesson ideas in Spanish and English.
  • Video

    Constitution EXPLAINED: Who Chooses the President?

    Article II of the Constitution creates the office of the President of the United States (POTUS), determines how they are selected, and states the oath of office where they swear to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”Engage all your students, including Spanish speakers and multilingual learners, and deepen learning with the accompanying bilingual Teacher Guides. Each guide includes vocabulary words, guiding questions, instructional and video-viewing strategies, as well as lesson ideas in Spanish and English.
  • Video

    Constitution EXPLAINED: The Dos and Don'ts of…

    Article I of the Constitution grants powers to Congress and also sets limitations.Engage all your students, including Spanish speakers and multilingual learners, and deepen learning with the accompanying bilingual Teacher Guides. Each guide includes vocabulary words, guiding questions, instructional and video-viewing strategies, as well as lesson ideas in Spanish and English.