Formation of the US Government, American Revolutionary Documents, and Their Writers and Meetings: Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights, First and Second Continental Congress, etc. 

Dates covered: 1774-1789

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Arts and Crafts: 

• Patriotic Folding Craft Stick Printable Patterns
• Make Your Own Parchment
• Quick and Easy Constitution Day Activities for Kids

Books: 

1774 

The First Continental Congress When 56 colonial delegates assembled in Philadelphia in September 1774, breaking away from their mother country, Great Britain, was the last thing on their minds. All that these brave and forward-thinking men wanted was for King George III to recognize their rights and liberties and give them and their fellow colonists the same respect he gave to all English citizens. The king’s refusal to stop exploiting the colonies set in motion events that changed the course of history. From this First Continental Congress were born the ideas, determination, and courage that eventually transformed 13 colonies into the United States of America. Lexile 1060. Older students. Pennsylvania. 

1775 

The Second Continental Congress Tells the story of the convention including events that led up to the Second Continental Congress. Fireworks! Parades! Shows! Future U.S. President John Adams, who was a delegate to the Second Continental Congress, said that Americans should have all of these things to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Adams was jubilant when the Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain. It had been a long journey for the Congress to agree to separate from their mother country. And it would be a still longer journey before the fight was over. Many of the most important decisions for the new United States of America were made by the members of the Second Continental Congress during the first eighteen months it met in Philadelphia. This is the story of those eighteen months. Lexile 990. Older students. Pennsylvania. 

1776 

For Life and Liberty: Causes and Effects of the Declaration of Independence Many people traveled far to a new land in search of freedom. But years later, they were still ruled by a foreign power. How did the Declaration of Independence proclaim freedom? And how did it help form the United States? Nonfiction easy-to-read look into our historical document and its history. Level 5.4. Younger to Middle students. Pennsylvania. 

Give Me Liberty!: The Story of the Declaration of Independence With a strong focus on cause and effect and the actions of important individuals, Give Me Liberty! traces the tensions that built up in the 1770s, including the Stamp Act, the Boston Tea Party, and the early battles of the Revolutionary War, culminating in the signing of the Declaration in 1776, and its spread through the new American nation. Level 8.5. Middle to Older students. 

Her Name Was Mary Katharine: The Only Woman Whose Name is on the Declaration of Independence, picture book. Connecticut. 

John Hancock: Independent Boy The life of John Hancock, a contemporary of Samuel Adams and Paul Revere and the first to sign the Declaration of Independence is featured in this volume of the Young Patriots series. Detailing Hancock’s early years, this work focuses on his relationship with his boyhood friend John Adams and his academic struggles with what he would later become most famous for—his writings. Hancock’s famous achievements later in life are also chronicled, from attending the Boston Tea Party to becoming president of the Continental Congress. The entirety of his life is colorfully illustrated with renderings that convey the drama of the birth of the United States. Middle to Older students. 

The Declaration of Independence: The Words That Made America The Declaration of Independence is considered to be one of the greatest documents of all time. The central section of the declaration is a ringing assertion that every human being has an equal right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These are the words that have built your nation and keep it strong. Here is the complete Declaration of Independence beautifully hand-lettered and decorated. Almost every section is highlighted on its own page, with its meaning and significance enhanced by imaginative drawings and sketches appropriate to the all-important words they complement. Younger to Middle students. 

The Declaration of Independence A simple introduction to Independence Day and the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Level 1.6. Younger students. 

The Declaration of Independence A True Book: American History series. his book recounts the origins of the desire for independence in the colonies that would become the United States, the events that led to open rebellion, and how the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, and discusses its meaning. Younger to Middle students. Level 5.3. Pennsylvania. 

The Declaration of Independence Cornerstones of Freedom series. Bringing History to Life Even before the first glorious ring of the Liberty Bell, America was a land of freedom and promise. Read about what makes our country and form of government so great that it has inspired people from all over the world to start life anew here, endure the economic and social upheavals, and defend the land and rights that are unique to the United States of America. Younger to Middle students. 

The Declaration of Independence Cornerstones of Freedom series. Dramatic and defining moments in American history come vividly the life in the Cornerstones of Freedom series. Middle students. 

The Declaration of Independence in Translation: What it Really Means What are unalienable rights? Who are the 13 original colonies? What makes the Declaration of Independence so important? Find out in simple language what this historical document really means to you and America. With the original text on one side and an easy-to-understand translation on the other, children can gain more meaning of this treasured document. Level 5.9. Younger to Middle students. 

The Declaration of Independence Open the pages of this book to get an inside look at the Declaration of Independence. Find out how the Declaration of Independence came about, what the Declaration contains, and the significance of the document. In this book you will also discover: who wrote the Declaration of Independence; how the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War are related; and the travels of the Declaration. Level 8. Middle to Older students. 

The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence Picture book, nonfiction, level 5.4 Pennsylvania. 

The Side-By-Side Declaration of Independence Do you know what’s actually in the full Declaration of Independence? How it was written? What was happening at the time? How to read the formal language? Don’t worry! Because now, in The Side-by-Side Declaration of Independence, kid patriots (and grown-ups alike!) can tackle the Declaration like never before. Decipher the original text of the Declaration on each left-hand page with help from a “plain English” translation on each right-hand page. Bright illustrations, historical explanations, helpful definitions, and other fun facts round out this brilliant introduction to one of the world’s most important documents. Lexile 1040. All Ages. Pennsylvania. 

Thomas Paine: Crusader for Liberty: How One Man’s Ideas Helped Form a New Nation Dubbed ‘The Father of the American Revolution’, Paine began his written reign by fervently proposing the idea of American independence from Great Britain, where he lived before emigrating to the United States in his thirties. As one historical event led to another, Paine continued to divulge his ideas to the public, risking his reputation and even his life. Award-winning author Albert Marrin illustrates the hardships and significance of a man’s beliefs and their effects on our nation in a way that all ages can comprehend. Level 7.7. Older students. Pennsylvania. 

Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word An inspiring journey of courage, failure, and resilience. Thomas Paine’s persuasive Common Sense rallied Americans to declare independence against the mightiest empire in the world. Picture book. Level 5.4. Younger to Middle students. 

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense: Documents that Shaped America If people ever doubt that the printed word can change the world, they should look to Common Sense, the pamphlet penned by Thomas Paine. Just paper and ink helped persuade American colonists that independence from England was imperative. The powerful piece is examined in this book in the context of the turbulent era in which it was written. Readers are provided a close look at the time period through relevant images and invited to imagine whether they, too, would have joined the cause of the Americans. Middle students. Pennsylvania. 

Understanding the Declaration of Independence Examines written documents from the United States’ early history that helped shape what the nation was to become as well as how it would govern itself over the next two+ centuries. Level 5.2. Middle students. 

What is the Declaration of Independence On a hot summer day near Philadelphia in 1776, Thomas Jefferson sat at his desk and wrote furiously until early the next morning. He was drafting the Declaration of Independence, a document that would sever this country’s ties with Britain and announce a new nation—The United States of America. Colonists were willing to risk their lives for freedom, and the Declaration of Independence made that official. Discover the true story of one of the most radical and uplifting documents in history and follow the action that fueled the Revolutionary War. Level 6.2. Middle to Older students. 

Will You Sign Here, John Hancock Everyone knows that John Hancock was one of the first signers of the Declaration of Independence. But not many know that he signed his name so large to show how mad he was about how the colonists had been treated. Level 5.8. Pennsylvania. Middle students. 

1787

Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution This factual gem that’s written with Newbery Honor author Jean Fritz’s humorous touch chronicles the hot summer of 1787 when fifty-five delegates from thirteen states huddled together in the strictest secrecy in Philadelphia to draw up the constitution of the United States! A fun look at history. Level 7.1 Younger to Middle students. 

A More Perfect Union: The Story of Our Constitution picture book, by Betsy Maestro. When America declared its independence in 1776, the new republic’s journey to become one unified nation had just begun. Here is the unforgettable story of fifty-five Americans and the Constitution they created in 1787 to give the struggling new government a foundation that has held ever since. Younger to Middle students. 

Checks and Balances: A Look at the Powers of Government What are checks and balances? They are limits that keep different parts of government from having too much power. But just what are these limits? And how do they help our government run more smoothly? Read this book to find out. Level 5.1. Younger to Middle students. 

Fault Lines in the Constitution: The Framers, Their Fights, and the Flaws that Affect Us Today A noted children’s nonfiction author and one of the nation’s foremost constitutional scholars team up to create an essential book on the United States Constitution for everyone grappling with today’s most urgent political issues. Many of the political issues we struggle with today have their roots in one place—the U.S. Constitution. Fault Lines in the Constitution takes readers back to the creation of this historic document and reveals how many of the problems that trouble us today—such as voting rights, the Electoral College, and gerrymandering—were first introduced. Cynthia and Sanford Levinson explain the unexpected ramifications of decisions made in 1787 and explore possible solutions found in the constitutions of states and other countries. Each chapter begins with a story―all but one of them true―that connects directly back to a section of the document that forms the basis of our society and government. Informative sidebars and graphics run throughout along with a timeline and bibliography. Level 8.8. Mature middle to Older students. Pennsylvania.  

For Which We Stand: How Our Government Works and Why it Matters Now more than ever, it’s so important for everyone to understand our government: where it came from, how it works, and how we can bring about change. This book is a comprehensive and entertaining guide that answers questions. Plus, discover the complete backstory on some of our government’s most important moments, like why we wrote the Declaration of Independence, and how people since then have worked with and protested against the government to improve the lives of all Americans. Each spread features a mix of black-and-white and full-color art, including infographics, charts, maps, political caricatures, and other engaging visual elements that will be fun and easy for kids to understand. Lexile 1130. Middle to Older students. 

George Washington and the Story of the U.S. Constitution The story of the drafting of the United States Constitution, and George Washington’s role in creating it, includes a script for readers’ theater. Picture Book style. Level 4.8. Middle students. Pennsylvania. 

If You Were There When They Signed the Constitution This book takes you behind the locked doors of Philadelphia’s State House during the history-making summer of 1787. You will meet the key delegates and find out what is going on. Younger to Middle students. Philadelphia.

Our Constitution Rocks! Come along on one of the most fun and engaging discoveries available to kids today about America’s Constitution. Juliette Turner, Youth Advocate for Constituting America, takes a unique look at our founding document, presenting it in a beautifully organized fashion, with helpful illustrations and sidebars that support the main ideas. Packed with tons of easy-to-read, easy-to-understand information, Our Constitution Rocks breaks down the Constitution article by article into manageable sections in a way everyone can read and understand—students and parents alike. Younger to Middle students. 

The Creation of the U.S. Constitution Graphic Novel. In this fascinating graphic novel, witness the real-life debates, disagreements, and compromises that led to the formation of the U.S. Constitution during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Eye-popping artwork and easy-to-read text offer an appealing, accessible alternative for nonfiction readers. An additional information section provides key facts and further understanding. The perfect book for budding historians, comic book fans, and everyone in between!

The Constitution “An analysis of the U.S. Constitution, with information on how it was created and its impact on the United States and the world. Older students. Pennsylvania. 

The Constitution of the United States A True Book: American History series allows readers to experience the earliest moments in American history and to discover how these moments helped shape the country that it is today. This series includes an age-appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study. This book discusses the meaning and purpose of a constitution; recounts reasons why the United States needed one in the 1780s and the events of the Constitutional Convention; and describes the Constitution’s main points and how it has changed. Middle students. 

The Creation of the U.S. Constitution In graphic novel format, tells the story of the debates, disagreements, and compromises that led to the formation of the U.S. Constitution during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Graphic Novel. Level 5.0. Younger to Middle students. 

The History of the Constitution: A History Book for New Readers Reader-level book. Nonfiction. Lexile 830. Middle students.

The U.S. Constitution Cornerstones of Freedom series. Describes the history and formation of the Constitution and its effects today, including the amendments. Level 7.2. Middle to Older students. Pennsylvania. 

The U. S. Constitution It’s 1787, and a handful of men are about to sign the United States Constitution. In a few minutes, a newly free country will have a set of rules made by the people, for the people. Join lawmaker James Madison as he picks up a pen and makes history. Picture book. Younger to Middle students. Level 4.8. 

The United States Constitution Learn about the United States Constitution, one of the most significant documents in U.S. history. Find out about those who were involved in its creation and why studying this primary source is so important. Level 7.4 Middle to Older students. Pennsylvania. 

The Interactive Constitution: Explore the Constitution with flaps, wheels, color-changing words, and more!

Explore the U.S. Constitution like never before! Amazing interactive features like color-changing words, flaps, wheels, and a special vocabulary decoder help kids learn about types of government, checks and balances, the Bill of Rights, the amendment process, and more! There’s never been a better way―or a more important time―to discover the world-changing importance of this powerful founding document. Younger to Middle students.

We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States A long time ago some smart guys wrote the Preamble to the Constitution. You have probably read it before, but do you know what it means? And did it ever make you laugh? Now it will! Perfect for inspiring discussion in classrooms and around kitchen tables, this fun-filled and cheerfully illustrated look at the Preamble provides an accessible introduction to America’s founding ideals for citizens of all ages. Picture book. Younger to Middle students. 

We the People: The Constitution of the United States Peter Speir. In this visual celebration of the US Constitution and America’s founding fathers, Caldecott Medalist Peter Spier tells the stirring American tale of how this most important document came to symbolize freedom, justice, equality, and hope for all citizens. Picture book. Younger to Middle students. Pennsylvania. 

We the People: The Story of Our Constitution picture book, level 8.0. Middle students. 

We the People: Writing the Constitution The events surrounding the creation of the U.S. Constitution did not look the same to everyone involved. Readers can step back in time and into the shoes of a serving girl at a Pennsylvania boardinghouse, a law clerk in the state of Virginia, and an apprentice printer as readers act out scenes that took place amid this historic event. Written with simplified, considerate text to help struggling readers, books in this series are made to build confidence as readers engage and read aloud. Younger to Middle students. One-act play. Pennsylvania. 

What Are the Three Branches of the Government?: And Other Questions About the U.S. Constitution Who wrote the U.S. Constitution? How long did it take to write? What is the Bill of Rights? The Constitution forms the basis for our government’s organization—and our liberties. Children will also learn how the three branches of government operate, how amendments are enacted, and how the Constitution has changed. Level 6.6. Middle students. 

What Does the Constitution Say? A Kid’s Guide to How Our Democracy Works If you’ve never read the Constitution, let this guidebook help you! Featuring fun facts, cool illustrations, and even hilarious jokes, What Does the Constitution Say? will help you understand how our American government really works.  Written more than 230 years ago, the Constitution can be hard to understand (even for adults). But it also gives you what you need to make our country the best it can be for everyone. What Does the Constitution Say? takes you on a tour of the whole Constitution while explaining what its fancy words really mean. From the Preamble to the 7 Articles to the 27 Amendments (so far), this fun-to-read guide is packed with bite-sized info, historic quotes, and graphics. Middle to Older students. 

What is the Constitution? Part of the Who Was series, this nonfiction book looks at this important American document. Level 5.9. Middle students. 

1789

A Kid’s Guide to America’s Bill of Rights: Curfews, Censorship, and the 100-Pound Giant Which 462 words are so important that they’ve changed American history more than once? The Bill of Rights: the first ten amendments to the Constitution, the crucial document that spells out how the United States is to be governed. Packed with anecdotes and sidebars, case studies, suggestions for further reading, and humorous illustrations, Kathleen Krull’s introduction to the Bill of Rights brings a little-understood topic vividly to life. Find out what the Bill of Rights is and how it affects your daily life in this fascinating look at the history, significance, and mysteries of these laws that protect the individual freedoms of everyone—even young people. Older students.

Bill of Rights Cornerstones of Freedom series. Describes the reasons for the Bill of Rights, the key players in drafting it, and the effects it has today. Middle students. 

The Bill of Rights A True Book series. Recounts the origins of individual rights in the colonies and the effort to add explicitly stated rights to the Constitution, accomplished in its first ten amendments, and discusses their meaning and the extension of citizen’s rights to all Americans.Level 5.3. New York. Younger to Middle students. 

The Bill of Rights Explains how the Bill of Rights was written and ratified. Level 7. 5. Middle to Older students. New York. 

The Bill of Rights in Translation: What it Really Means How long is four score and seven years? Just what are unalienable rights? These translations make important historical documents meaningful. Each book translates the work of a primary source into a language you can understand. Level 5.9. Younger to Middle students. New York. 

The Bill of Rights Picture book easy to easy-to-read summary of the history of the Bill of Rights. Level 5.1. New York. Younger students. 

The Congress of the United States: A True Book A True Book: American History series allows readers to experience the earliest moments in American history and discover how these moments helped shape the country that it is today. This series includes an age-appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study. This book describes the legislative branch of the United States government and discusses each of its two parts, how it works, its origins, and notable events in its history, including impeachments and declarations of war. Level 5.0. Middle students. 

The Supreme Court (True Books) Discusses how a case reaches the Supreme Court; recounts its origins and history, particularly the time of John Marshall, which established the court’s right to declare a law unconstitutional, and other noted cases; and describes how it works today. Level 5.7. Younger to Middle students.

The U.S. Supreme Court Since our nation’s birth, the Supreme Court has been the highest court in the United States. But until 1935, it didn’t have a building of its own. Join a lawyer named Marta in The U.S. Supreme Court as she follows the court’s long journey to its final home in Washington, D.C. Level 4.7. Younger to Middle students. 

Tricking the Tallyman: The Great Census Shenanigans of 1790 When the tallyman calls to tally a town, will he find one lone resident, afraid that every person counted will mean more taxes the town has to pay, or will he find the same tiny house the following day has a wife, a husband, and their 15 children? Picture book, Level 3.7

Understanding the Bill of Rights Examines written documents from the United States’ early history that helped shape what the nation was to become as well as how it would govern itself over the next two+ centuries. Level 6.0. Younger to Middle students. 

What is the Supreme Court? Part of the Who Was series. Ever since it was established in 1789, the United States Supreme Court has had a major impact on the lives of all Americans. Some of its landmark decisions have helped end segregation, protected a person’s privacy, and allowed people to marry whomever they love. Middle students. 

Coloring Pages/Drawing: 

• Declaration of Independence Coloring Page
• First Continental Congress Coloring Page
• Second Continental Congress Coloring Page
• Constitution Coloring Page

Lapbooks/Notebooking Pages/Unit Studies

The Interactive Constitution: Explore the Constitution with Flaps, Wheels, Color-Changing Words, and More! Explore the U.S. Constitution like never before! Amazing interactive features like color-changing words, flaps, wheels, and a special vocabulary decoder help kids learn about types of government, checks and balances, the Bill of Rights, the amendment process, and more! There’s never been a better way―or a more important time―to discover the world-changing importance of this powerful founding document.

The US Congress for Kids: Over 200 Years of Lawmaking, Deal-Breaking, and Compromising, with 21 Activities Providing a historical perspective on all that is going on today, US Congress for Kids examines the major milestones in congressional history, including the abolition of slavery, extending the vote to African Americans and to women, and investigating misconduct in both government and private institutions. Kids will be engaged by the focus on dramatic stories, personalities, and turning points while also benefitting from the clear discussions of Congressional purpose, structure, history, and ongoing issues. Educational, hands-on activities that illuminate the workings of the U.S. Congress include making a House ceremonial mace, creating congressional money, making a capitol dome, and designing a Congressional Medal of Honor.

Our Supreme Court: A History with 14 Activities This lively and comprehensive activity book teaches young readers everything they need to know about the nation’s highest court. Organized around keystones of the Constitution—including free speech, freedom of religion, civil rights, criminal justice, and property rights—the book juxtaposes historical cases with similar current cases. Presented with opinions from both sides of the court cases, readers can make up their own minds on where they stand on the important issues that have evolved in the Court over the past 200 years. Interviews with prominent politicians, high-court lawyers, and those involved with landmark decisions—including Ralph Nader, Rudolph Giuliani, Mario Cuomo, and Arlen Specter—show the personal impact and far-reaching consequences of the decisions. Fourteen engaging classroom-oriented activities involving violations of civil rights, exercises of free speech, and selecting a classroom Supreme Court bring the issues and cases to life. The first 15 amendments to the Constitution and a glossary of legal terms are also included.

The Bill of Rights Lapbook 

U.S. Constitution Reproducible Activity Book

Declaration of Independence Repro Activity Book

Movies/Videos/Documentaries

• The Declaration of Independence (as read by Max McLean)
• The Declaration of Independence for Kids
• The Declaration of Independence | Period 3: 1754-1800 | AP US History | Khan Academy
• “A More Perfect Union” (1989) – America Becomes a Nation(Full Movie) (Note: does contain some war/death scenes)
• Common Sense by Thomas Paine
• Thomas Paine and Common Sense
• Thomas Paine: The Revolutionary War in Four Minutes
• Compromise and the Constitution of the United States | Benjamin Franklin | PBS | A Film by Ken Burns
• Walkthrough of the Constitution | Constitution 101
• The Constitution, the Articles, and Federalism: Crash Course US History #8(note: mentions things like affairs and prostitution briefly)
• The Articles of Confederation

Museums/Field Trips (including virtual): 

• The National Archives Museum, Washington, D.C.
• Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Supreme Court, Washington, D.C.
• U.S. Capitol Building. Washington, D.C.

Songs: 

• U.S. HISTORY-DECLARING INDEPENDENCE song by Mr. Nicky
• Declaration of Independence Song – “Stand Up And Sign With Me” (“Shut Up And Dance”) – Ben Leddy
• HAPPINESS (THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE SONG) by Sandy Wilbur
• School House Rock – The Constitution
• The Constitution Song (“Despacito” Parody)
• Constitutional Convention Rap – A parody of “Run This Town” by Jay-Z
• Bill of Rights (Shake it off)
• Wrecking ball (Bill of Rights Song)

Toys/Games

• 
• Constitution Quest Game

• Constitution Go Fish Game
• Constitution Jeopardy!: A Game for Americans
• Word Search Puzzles: The U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence