Constitution Quest Student Packet
Civics Expedition • 5th Grade
Name:
Date:
September 17 Constitution Day & Citizenship Day
Constitution Quest: We the People
Explore America's foundational rulebook and the power of active citizenship!
Historical Field Notes
In May 1787, 55 leaders called Framers gathered at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The summer heat was brutal, but they spent four grueling months debating how to run a new, fair nation without a king. On September 17, 1787, they signed the United States Constitution—the supreme law of the land!
Its famous opening sentence is called the Preamble. It begins with three giant words: "We the People". These words established a groundbreaking idea called democracy: government power comes directly from everyday citizens, not royalty or rulers.
1. Legislative Branch Congress (House & Senate)
Writes and passes federal laws for the nation.
2. Executive Branch President & Cabinet
Enforces and carries out the laws fairly.
3. Judicial Branch Supreme Court & Judges
Interprets laws and ensures they follow the Constitution.
Part 1
Preamble Decoder: Match the Goals
Write the matching letter in each box
The Preamble listed six crucial missions. Match each 1787 phrase to its modern meaning!
1. "Form a more perfect Union"
2. "Establish Justice"
3. "Ensure domestic Tranquility"
4. "Provide for the common defense"
5. "Promote the general Welfare"
6. "Secure Blessings of Liberty"
A. Protect safety, peace, and order in our communities.
B. Create fair courts and equal laws for every person.
C. Work together as one unified, cooperative nation.
D. Safeguard freedom for ourselves and future kids.
E. Defend and protect the country against outside threats.
F. Help all people thrive with schools, health, and jobs.
Mission 1: The Blueprint of America
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Civics Expedition • 5th Grade
Mission 2: Rights, Responsibilities & Action
Name:
Citizenship Day Connection
On September 17, we also celebrate Citizenship Day! A citizen is a recognized member of a community or country. The Constitution protects our Rights (freedoms guaranteed to us, like free speech in the Bill of Rights). In return, citizens carry Responsibilities (duties to protect our democracy and help neighbors).
Part 2
Civic Duty Sorting: Right or Responsibility?
Write RIGHT or RESPONSIBILITY
Carefully read each action and decide whether it is a protected freedom or a civic duty.
1 Voting in elections to choose leaders and decide community laws
2 Expressing your thoughts and opinions peacefully through writing or speech
3 Obeying neighborhood safety laws, traffic rules, and school guidelines
4 Serving on a jury when called upon to ensure fair trials for citizens
5 Practicing any religion you choose, or choosing not to practice any religion
6 Treating public parks and community spaces with care and cleaning up trash
Part 3
Civic Detective: The Broken Playground Case
Scenario: The swings and basketball nets at Maple Grove Community Park are broken, and litter is scattered across the field. Some kids feel discouraged and stop going outside.
Step 1: How can 5th graders use their constitutional right to assemble or petition to get help from town leaders?
Step 2: What is one civic responsibility your class can take right away to improve the park for everyone?
Mission 2: Rights & Active Citizenship
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Civics Expedition • 5th Grade
Mission 3: Founding Our Classroom Constitution
Delegate:
The Constitution Convention of Room _____
Now it's your turn to be a Framer! Just like delegates met in 1787 to build a fair nation, you will help design the foundational rules for our classroom community.
A
Our Classroom Preamble (Our Core Purpose)
Complete the statement explaining why our class community works together every day:
"We the Students of Grade 5, in order to create a classroom where..."
B
Articles of Our Classroom Law
Article I: Respect & Inclusivity How we treat our classmates
Article II: Learning & Effort How we tackle challenging problems
Article III: Care of Our Space & Tools How we protect our shared supplies
Ratification of the Delegate
By signing below, I pledge to uphold our rights and carry out my duties as a model classroom citizen.
Official Seal
Delegate Signature:
Date of Ratification:
September 17, 20____
Mission 3: Ratified & Classroom Ready
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