In the previous section, we explored how the Constitution is designed to prevent the American system of government from abusing its power and becoming a tyranny.  Some of its provisions are specific responses to the accusations made against King George III. In the next activity, you will explore a few of those connections.

Activity

Below are flash cards with sections from the Constitution and a few grievances from the Declaration of Independence.  Download this document to read the section of the Constitution that each card references. Then drag the section to the grievance that it addresses. There are seven grievances, but nine parts of the Constitution are listed below. At the end of the activity, there will be a question about the other two sections to the Constitution listed.

Click hereThe two choices not used were the first amendment and the fourth amendment. These amendments provide some of our most important protections against the government. The first amendment guarantees the “five freedoms” of religion, speech, the press, assembly, and to petition the government. The fourth amendment protects your home from illegal search and seizure by the police. Using your notes, describe the types of tyrannical actions the government could do if not for these amendments. after you complete the activity.

Still Alive and Battling Tyranny

This lesson offered a brief introduction to the construction of the U.S. Constitution. It showed a few examples of limited government, individual rights, and checks and balances. These concepts are explored in more depth in other lessons in this module.

The amazing thing about the Constitution is that not only did it prevent tyranny, but it also gave the government enough power to effectively rule an incredibly large country. The Articles of Confederation were also designed to prevent tyranny, but the government it created was so weak that it collapsed. The U.S. Constitution endures, and it is the oldest written constitution still in effect.