Congress for Kids: [Constitution]: Word Spy

Constitution

Introduction Delegates to the Constitutional Convention The Work Begins Writing the Constitution The Great Compromise Signing the Constitution Ratifying the Constitution Bill of Rights Powers of the Federal Government The Three Branches of Government Checks and Balances Amendments Women - The Right to Vote

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Because of his poor health, Benjamin Franklin needed help to sign the Constitution. As he left the Pennsylvania State House after the final meeting of the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787, Benjamin Franklin was approached by the wife of the mayor of Philadelphia. She was curious as to what the new government would be. Franklin replied, “A republic, madam. If you can keep it.” What do you think he meant by that? Why do you think we have been able to keep this republic?

The Signers of the Constitution

Signing the Constitution

Uncle Sam, the word spy, wants you to take a minute and test your knowledge.

Match the word(s) in the left-hand column to complete the questions or statements in the right-hand column. Check your answers.

Philadelphia; September 17, 1787	A. Who did not sign the Constitution?
John Quincy Adams	B. Who was the first person to sign the U.S. Constitution?
To protect people from a strong national government	C. Where and when was the Constitution signed?
George Washington	D. Why was the Constitution written?

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When the Constitution was signed, the United States’ population was 4 million. Philadelphia was the nation’s largest city, with 40,000 inhabitants.

Projects You Can Do

Name some of signers of the Constitution.

Divide your group into four small groups. Assign each group one of the following signers: George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, or Alexander Hamilton.

Imagine you are newspaper reporters in 1787 covering the signing of the Constitution. You will meet with each of the four signers noted above and ask three questions. Each group should brainstorm the questions they would ask each signer.

Before you can ask the questions, you must research information about each person and about the Constitution. Use various library sources or use the following sites as starting points for research.

Awards