We the People

Social Studies: Civics & Government,U.S. History,

Grade: 2,

Constitution Day is September 17. On that day, students across the United States will learn about the Constitution. That is a written plan that tells the laws of our country. A law is a rule.

A group of leaders wrote the United States Constitution more than 200 years ago. George Washington was one of those leaders.

World Almanac for Kids

 

Fast Facts

The U.S. Constitution was signed in 1787. Learn more below.

The Constitution was written by hand. It has more than 4,000 words and starts, "We the People … "

Our country had only 13 states when the Constitution was written. It has 50 states today.

Benjamin Franklin was the oldest person to sign the Constitution. At the time, he was 81.

Letter From the Past

A letter from George Washington was found recently. A 10-year-old girl had saved it in a scrapbook in 1826. The letter was sent to her grandfather, Jacob Morris. The girl lived in New Jersey. Her name was Julia Kean.

Washington wrote the letter in 1787. At that time, he was meeting with other leaders to create the U.S. Constitution. In the letter, Washington wrote that the country's happiness depended on what the leaders decided. Two years later, he became our country's first president.

The letter is important, say history experts. It helps people learn more about our country's past.

Comprehension Questions

1. What is the U.S. Constitution? 

(written answer)

2. How many states were there in the U.S. when the Constitution was written? 

(written answer)

3. According to the article, what did Washington say in his letter in 1787? 

(written answer)

4. What is this passage mostly about? 

(written answer)

5. The question below is an incomplete sentence. Choose the word that best completes the sentence.

On September 17, students learn about the Constitution ______ it is Constitution Day. 

1. but 
2. because 
3. so