National Constitutions of the World
Text Version

(Visual description: the screen shows a side-by-side view of three pages of the United States Constitution, with the words “The Constitution of the United States” on top of the pages.)

Narrator: Constitutions are important documents since they are the basis for the laws and actions of governments across the world.

(Visual description: the screen shows a scroll with the title “We the People” next to a gavel and a scale.)

Narrator: The purpose of a constitution is to establish the structure of a government; its purposes and functions of different individuals and groups; and the limitations of the government.

(Visual description: the screen shows an image of the U.S. capitol building, followed by an image of the White House.)

Narrator: Constitutions are most effective when used in a democratic nation.

(Visual description: the screen shows an image of the Supreme Court.)

Narrator: The U.S. Constitution is divided into three parts: the preamble, which explains the document's purpose; the seven articles, which explain the structure of the government and processes for democracy, and the amendments, which have been added on to the Constitution over time.

(Visual description: the screen shows a side-by-side view of three pages of the Constitution. The screen then zooms in on the first page to the left titled “We the People” and words “The Preamble” appear at the top of the screen. The screen then scrolls through the page before zooming out. Next, the screen zooms in on the middle page, and the words “The Articles” appear at the top of the screen. The screen scrolls through the page before zooming out. Finally the screen zooms in the page to the right and the word “The Amendments” appear at the top of the screen. The screen scrolls through the page before zooming out.)

Narrator: The U.S. Constitution was established in 1787, and has been the basis for the creation, enforcement and interpretation of laws since then.

(Visual description: the screen zooms in again on the first page to the left titled “We the People,” followed by a painting that depicts the signing of the Constitution in 1787.)

Narrator: Although people's differing interpretations of the Constitution have caused controversy over time, many people consider it to be the most important document in U.S. history.

(Visual description: the screen shows a magnifying glass held over a document with a heading “Right to Bear Arms” and a description underneath the heading. This is followed by the image of the Constitution.)

Narrator: Textbooks devote many pages and chapters to constitutions. The principles and ideas created in constitutions are referenced throughout texts.

(Visual description: the screen cycles through images of textbooks with passages related to the Constitution.)

Narrator: An important skill for social studies students to learn is to identify connections between primary sources and secondary sources.

(Visual description: image of a male and two female students examining textbooks.)

Narrator: Secondary sources provide examples of generalizations based on primary sources. So a secondary source – such as a textbook – about constitutions shows us this skill by providing generalizations and interpretations of the language of the primary source constitutions.

(Visual description: split-screen presentation with the left screen saying “Secondary Sources provide examples of generalizations based on primary sources,” and the right screen showing an image of a gavel on top of an open book.)

Narrator: For example, read the excerpt from the first article of the U.S. Constitution: "All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives." This primary source includes official language, which is sometimes difficult to interpret.

(Visual description: the screen first displays the following text: “U.S. Constitution, Article I: All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.” Then, the words “Primary Source” appear on top of the text.)

Narrator: The line below interprets the language for us: “The legislative branch of the U.S. government is made up of the "Congress," which is divided into a House of Representatives and a Senate.”

(Visual description: the screen first displays the following text: “The legislative branch of the U.S. government is made up of the "Congress," which is divided into a House of Representatives and a Senate.” Then, the words “Secondary Source” appear on top of the text.)

Narrator: Another example is later in the Constitution, in the second article: "No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States."

(Visual description: the screen displays the following text: "U.S. Constitution, Article 2: No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States." The words “Primary Source” appear on top of the text.)

Narrator: A textbook interprets this important passage as: "In order to be the president you must be born in the United States, at least 35 years old, and lived in the U.S. for 14 years." This interpretations means the same as the original passage, it just uses clearer language and vocabulary.

(Visual description: the screen displays the following text: "In order to be the president you must be born in the United States, at least 35 years old, and lived in the U.S. for 14 years." The words “Secondary Source” appear on top of the text.)

Narrator: Finally, read the passage below from the second Amendment to the Constitution. "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

(Visual description: the screen displays the following text: "U.S. Constitution Second Amendment: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." The words “Primary Source” appear on top of the text.)

This passage can be interpreted through a generalization such as the one below: “Citizens are also guaranteed the right to hold weapons and join a militia separate from the government.” This secondary source interpretation is easier to understand, and also shows us how to use language to create clearer interpretations of important primary source documents.

(Visual description: the screen displays the following text: “Citizens are also guaranteed the right to hold weapons and join a militia separate from the government.” The words “Secondary Source” appear on top of the text.)