US Constitution Webquest
Part 1: Read the background to the Constitution and answer the questions that follow. (Be sure to put
your answers in the Boxes on the Right Hand side not in the blanks)
Background to the Constitution
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme (highest) law of
the United States of America. The Constitution is referred to as our
government’s instruction manual; it declares what the government can
and cannot do. The founding fathers wanted a limited government
where citizen’s rights were promised. They wanted a democratic style
of government where a harsh ruler could not rise up and treat people
unfairly.
The Constitution comes with three parts: the Preamble (introduction), seven articles and 27
amendments. The first 10 amendments are the Bill of Rights. The first three Articles of the
Constitution establish the three branches of the federal government with checks and balances and
separation of powers. The power of the government is separated into three branches: Legislative
Branch (Congress), the Executive Branch and Judicial Branch.
The Constitution was adopted (approved) on September 17, 1787. The goals of the Constitution are
stated in the Preamble:
“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 Prosperity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the
United States of America.”
1
Read the first paragraph and
explain what the founding fathers
wanted the Constitution to do.
The founding fathers wanted the government to be
democratic and limited as well as promise rights for
citizens. They wanted to make sure there wouldn’t be a
ruler or king that would treat people unfairly.
2
What are the three main sections of
the Constitution?
The 3 main sections of the Constitution were the
Preamble, 7 articles and the 27 amendments.
3
What do the three articles of the
Constitution establish?
The three articles of the Constitution establish the three
branches of the federal government with checks and
balances and separation of powers
4
Read the Preamble of the
Constitution. What are some of the
goals of the Constitution?
Some of the goals of the Constitution are to establish
justice, domestic tranquility, provide for common
defense, secure blessings of Liberty, etc.
