Rule Book Maker Worksheet
8th Grade Social Studies • Civics Lab Page 1 of 2
Rule Book Maker: Build Your Constitution
Follow the delegates' path: balance power, choose fair leaders, and protect people's rights!
Delegate Name:
Date:
Class/Period:
Step 1: The Big Question — Why Do We Need a Rule Book?
In class, we talked about a soccer game where nobody follows the rules. What happens when a country or classroom has no clear rule book?
People argue, feel unsafe, and nothing gets done One selfish leader can easily take all the power
Step 2: Name Your Community & Choose Your Head Leader
Executive Power
A. Give your new community, class, or country a name:
Example: The Republic of Room 204, Unity Island...
B. Who should carry out rules and lead? (Check ONE box — remember, no kings!)
One President
Elected by everyone for a set term of 1 year.
Council of Three
3 co-leaders who must agree before acting.
Weekly Rotation
Different student pairs lead each week.
Step 3: Split the Power Into Three Branches
Checks & Balances
To prevent anyone from acting like King George III, pick how each branch will work in your community:
1 Legislative Branch (Makes the Laws) Select who writes rules:
A team of elected student representatives Every citizen votes together on every rule
2 Executive Branch (Carries Out the Laws) Select their power check:
Can veto bad rules, but Congress can override Must report to the community every Friday
3 Judicial Branch (Explains & Decides Fairness) Select how disputes are solved:
A peer jury of 3 classmates decides disputes A neutral teacher-judge strikes down unfair rules
Branches picked! Flip to Page 2 to select your rights and sign your Constitution. Turn Page →
The Bill of Rights & Official Ratification Page 2 of 2
Step 4: Protect Rights & Ratify Your Rule Book
Choose 3 Fundamental Rights for Your Citizens (Check exactly 3):
Right to Speak & Share Ideas Everyone can safely voice opinions without fear.
Right to Fair Treatment No penalties without a chance to explain your side.
Right to Quiet & Rest Breaks A peaceful space to reset when stressed or tired.
Right to Equal Supplies & Space Fair sharing of materials, tools, and seating.
Right to Vote on New Rules Every single citizen gets an equal vote on big rules.
Right to Safety & Respect Zero bullying, name-calling, or unfair targeting.
The Official Rule Book of Our People
“We the People...”
Preamble: We, the citizens of , agree to follow this rule book to make our community fair, safe, and united.
Article 1 (The Leaders): Our laws will be written by and will be carried out by our elected leader, the .
Article 2 (Stopping Unfair Power): No single person can take total control. If an unfair rule is made, our people or judges can .
Article 3 (Our Protected Rights): Every person in our community is always guaranteed:
Article 4 (Our #1 Community Rule): The most important rule all citizens must follow is .
Official Ratification (Sign Your Name) Signed in convention by the delegate
Delegate Signature:
Ratified Date:
Checklist: Community named • 3 branches chosen • 3 rights selected • Constitution signed! Philadelphia 1787 • Today
Rule Book Notes Handout
Slide Guided Notes Page 1 of 2
A New Rule Book for the Country
Directions: Watch each slide on the board and write the missing word on each line.
Name:
Date:
Period:
1. Could a Game Work with No Rules? Why? (Slide 2)
Slide 2
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
2. The First Plan Was Too Weak (Slide 3)
Slide 3
• America's first rule book was the .
• Problem 1: The national government was way too .
• Problem 2: It could not collect or pay debts.
• Problem 3: The thirteen states argued and did not work together.
3. Leaders Meet in Philadelphia (Slides 4 & 5)
Slides 4–5
• In 1787, exactly delegates met in Philadelphia to fix the broken rule book.
Key Debates:
1. Balance power between small and states.
2. Create a strong leader without making a .
3. Protect people's individual with written laws.
4. Writing the Constitution (Slide 6)
Core Rule Book
• The leaders wrote a new plan called the United States .
• Definition: A constitution is the rule book for a country.
• This new rule book created a government that could all the states.
Page 1 finished! Next up: The 3 Branches of Government. Turn to Page 2 →
Three Branches & Checks (Slides 7–13) Page 2 of 2
5. Sharing Power in Three Parts (Slide 7)
No single person holds all the power!
1. Legislative Congress
Main Job:
Makes the .
Who votes for them?
People vote for .
2. Executive President
Main Job:
Carries out the .
Leadership:
Leads armed .
3. Judicial Courts
Main Job:
Explains the .
Fairness:
Follows the .
6. How the Parts Check Each Other (Slide 8)
Slide 8
Step 1: Passing a Bill
Congress votes on a new .
Step 2: President Stops It
The President can a bad law.
Step 3: Congress Overrides
Congress can vote again to it.
Step 4: Judges Review
Courts can down unfair laws.
Rule Book Answer Key
Teacher Answer Key • SpEd Civics Page 1 of 2
Rule Book Notes: Master Key
Complete answers aligned slide-by-slide with the presentation. Correct terms shown in bold.
1. Could a Game Work with No Rules? Why? (Slide 2) Slide 2
• Acceptable Student Answers: whatever they wanted / chaos / people would cheat / game wouldn't work / unfair
2. The First Plan Was Too Weak (Slide 3) Slide 3
- • America's first rule book was the: Articles of Confederation
- • Problem 1: The national government was way too: weak
- • Problem 2: It could not collect: taxes or pay debts
- • Problem 3: The thirteen states argued and did not work together
3. Leaders Meet in Philadelphia (Slides 4 & 5) Slides 4–5
- • In 1787, exactly 55 (fifty-five) delegates met in Philadelphia.
- • Debate 1: Balance power between small and large states.
- • Debate 2: Create a strong leader without making a king.
- • Debate 3: Protect people's individual rights with written laws.
4. Writing the Constitution (Slide 6) Slide 6
- • New plan name: United States Constitution
- • Definition: A constitution is the highest rule book for a country.
- • This new rule book created a government that could unite all the states.
5. Three Branches of Government (Slide 7) Slide 7
1. Legislative (Congress)
• Makes the laws
• Citizens vote for lawmakers
2. Executive (President)
• Carries out the laws
• Leads armed forces
3. Judicial (Courts)
• Explains the laws
• Follows the Constitution
6. Checks & Balances (Slide 8)
- 1. Votes on a new: bill / law
- 2. President can: veto / stop
- 3. Congress can: override it
- 4. Courts can: strike / strike down
7. Big Ideas to Remember (Slides 9, 12, 13)
- 1. First rule book was too: weak
- 2. Built a: stronger government
- 3. Split power into: three (3) parts
- 4. Feared having a: king
Notes Key Complete. Flip to Page 2 for Activity Exemplars & Accommodations. Page 2 →
Activity Exemplar & Facilitation Guide Page 2 of 2
Constitution Builder: Teacher Guidance & Model
