Constitution Day and Citizenship Day Resources
Resources and excerpts from related History-Social Science content standards.Resources
If an educational institution (or individual teachers) would like assistance in identifying possible speakers (or resource persons) from the community who are knowledgeable about the U.S. Constitution and the responsibilities of citizenship, they may wish to contact the local bar association or the county court administration.
The U.S. Department of Education has identified some educational resources pertaining to the U.S. Constitution and the responsibilities of citizenship:
- United States Department of Education's Constitution Day Web page
- Federal Register/Notices (PDF)
Volume 70, No. 99/Tuesday, May 24, 2005
There are numerous references to the U.S. Constitution, the California Constitution, and the responsibilities of citizenship in the History-Social Science Content Standards for California Public Schools and the History-Social Science Framework for California Public Schools, both of which are available at:
The following table provides excerpts from the History-Social Science Content Standards that may be helpful in developing lessons, discussion topics, or assignments for local educational programs related to the observance of “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.” These are examples only, and the table is not intended as an exclusive or exhaustive list.
| Grade | History-Social Science |
|---|---|
K |
Students recognize national and state symbols and icons such as the national and state flags, the bald eagle, and the Statue of Liberty |
One |
Students describe the rights and individual responsibilities of citizenship. |
Two |
Students explain governmental institutions and practices in the United States and other countries. |
Three |
Students understand the role of rules and laws in our daily lives and the basic structure of the U.S. government. |
Four |
Students understand the structures, functions, and powers of the local, state, and federal governments as described in the U.S. Constitution. |
Five |
Students describe the people and events associated with the development of the U.S. Constitution and analyze the Constitution's significance as the foundation of the American republic. |
Six |
Students in grade six expand their understanding of history by studying the people and events that ushered in the dawn of the major Western and non-Western ancient civilizations…Continued emphasis is placed on the everyday lives, problems, and accomplishments of people, their role in developing social, economic, and political structures, as well as in establishing and spreading ideas that helped transform the world forever. |
Seven |
Students in grade seven…learn about the resulting growth of Enlightenment philosophy and the new examination of the concepts of reason and authority, the natural rights of human beings and the divine right of kings, experimentalism in science, and the dogma of belief. [Students] assess the political forces let loose by the Enlightenment, particularly the rise of democratic ideas, and they learn about the continuing influence of these ideas in the world today. |
Eight |
Students analyze the political principles underlying the U.S. Constitution and compare the enumerated and implied powers of the federal government. |
Nine |
The California State Board of Education has established grade nine history-social science as an elective year. There are no standards for grade nine. Districts are urged to offer a suitable range of electives as outlined in the History-Social Science Framework, pages 118-124. |
Ten |
[Students consider] the influence of the U.S. Constitution on political systems in the contemporary world. |
Eleven |
Students analyze the significant events in the founding of the nation and its attempts to realize the philosophy of government described in the Declaration of Independence. |
Twelve |
Students explain the fundamental principles and moral values of American democracy as expressed in the U.S. Constitution and other essential documents of American democracy. |
The following Web pages from the CDE Web site may be of assistance in developing local educational programs:
Finally, the following Web sites may have useful information:
- National History Education Clearinghouse
- Schools of California Online Resources for Education
- Library of Congress
Teacher resources - The National Archives
Educator and student resources - California State Archives
Records and documents of California history - California Museum
Student, family, and educator resources
Notice
The guidance provided in this document is not binding on local educational agencies or other entities. Except for any statutes, regulations, or court decisions referenced herein, this document is exemplary, and compliance with it is not mandatory. (See California Education Code Section 33308.5.)