US Constitution Basics

Grade 4 · Social Studies · Study Guide

Learn about the Constitution, the supreme law of the United States, and how it organizes our government.

The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It was written in 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and went into effect in 1789. The Constitution set up the rules and structure for the U.S. government.

The Constitution divides the federal government into three branches. The Legislative Branch, or Congress, is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Congress makes the laws. The Executive Branch is led by the President, who carries out the laws. The Judicial Branch is led by the Supreme Court, which interprets laws and decides if they follow the Constitution.

This separation of powers makes sure no one person or group gets too much control. A system of checks and balances allows each branch to limit the power of the others. For example, Congress can pass a law, but the President can veto it, and the Supreme Court can strike it down if it violates the Constitution.

The first ten amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. Ratified in 1791, the Bill of Rights protects freedoms like freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of the press. The Constitution can be changed by adding amendments, and 27 amendments have been added since 1789.

Key terms

Constitution
The document that is the supreme law of the United States
Separation of Powers
The division of government into three branches so no one branch is too powerful
Checks and Balances
The system where each branch of government can limit the power of the others
Amendment
A change or addition made to the Constitution
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting basic freedoms
Veto
The President's power to reject a bill passed by Congress

Flashcards

U.S. Constitution
The supreme law of the United States, written in 1787 and ratified in 1788
Legislative Branch
The branch of government (Congress) that makes the laws
Executive Branch
The branch of government led by the President that carries out laws
Judicial Branch
The branch of government led by the Supreme Court that interprets laws
Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution protecting individual freedoms
Amendment
A formal change or addition to the Constitution
Checks and Balances
The system that prevents any one branch of government from having too much power
Congress
The U.S. lawmaking body made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives

Questions

  1. How many branches does the U.S. federal government have?

    1. Two
    2. Three
    3. Four
    4. Five
    Show answer

    Answer: Three

    The U.S. government is divided into three branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial.

  2. The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the Constitution.

    Show answer

    Answer: True

    The Bill of Rights consists of the first 10 amendments and was ratified in 1791 to protect citizens' fundamental freedoms.

  3. Which branch of government is responsible for making laws?

    1. Executive Branch
    2. Judicial Branch
    3. Legislative Branch
    4. Presidential Branch
    Show answer

    Answer: Legislative Branch

    The Legislative Branch (Congress) has the power to write and pass laws for the country.

  4. The President can reject a bill by using a ____.

    Show answer

    Answer: veto

    The President's veto power allows the executive branch to check the legislative branch by rejecting bills it disagrees with.

  5. The U.S. Constitution was written in Washington, D.C.

    Show answer

    Answer: False

    The Constitution was written in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

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