Instructions
Read the information below about the development of the Constitution, and then answer the questions that follow.
The Constitution of the United States was created during the Constitutional Convention, which took place in Philadelphia in 1787. The delegates at the convention aimed to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, the nation's first governing document. After much debate and compromise, the Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787. It established a strong federal government with three branches: the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches. The Bill of Rights, consisting of the first ten amendments, was added in 1791 to protect individual liberties.
Questions
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What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention in 1787?
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What document did the Constitution aim to improve upon?
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What are the three branches of government established by the Constitution?
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When was the Constitution signed?
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What is the Bill of Rights? Why was it added to the Constitution?
Reflection
In your own words, explain why you think the Constitution is important for the United States.