The Constitution and Bill of Rights — Reading Comprehension

The Constitution is the highest law of the United States. After the American Revolution, the new country needed rules to help people live and work together. In 1787, leaders met in Philadelphia to write these rules. This meeting was called the Constitutional Convention.

Many important people helped write the Constitution. George Washington was the president of the meeting. James Madison is called the "Father of the Constitution" because he did much of the writing. The leaders wanted a government that was fair and strong. They wanted to protect the people’s rights.

The Constitution set up three branches of government. These are the President, Congress, and the Supreme Court. Each branch has its own job. This helps make sure no one branch has too much power. The Constitution begins with the famous words, "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union…"

Some people worried the new Constitution did not protect enough freedom. So, the leaders added the Bill of Rights in 1791. The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the Constitution. It protects important rights like the freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial. One part says, "Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press."

Today, the Constitution and Bill of Rights still protect our liberty and guide our country. They remind us that the government gets its power from the people.

Interesting Fact: The original Constitution is kept in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

Where was the Constitution written?

Who is called the 'Father of the Constitution'?

In what year was the Bill of Rights added?

Why did leaders create three branches?

What does the Bill of Rights protect?

What do the words 'We the People' mean?

The Constitution is the highest law.

What is an amendment?