I need (free!) constitution resources

[HomeOnTheRanch]

DS13 just finished memorizing the Declaration of Independence. Yes, the *whole* thing. Why? Because he wanted to. He found an old, old Constitution book on the shelf (from the 60s) with the D of I in the back. So, now that THAT is memorized, he's on to the Constitution. Because he wants to.

While I'm struggling to get his 10yo brother to do the minimal work that is required of him (see my patience post), he's not only completed his work but has taken on extra projects for the fun of it. I'm stunned, I'm grateful, and I'm shaking my head.

So, if he's going to do this, I want him to have some newer stuff. Years ago we got a free pocket Constitution from somewhere. I don't remember where.

Do any of you have legit. sources of free info on or the actual constitution in a small book form. I don't want to be inundated with a lot of junk mail. I found a lot of stuff online for the anniversary last year, but a lot of the links were expired.

TIA!

[Soph the vet]

I think the ACLJ (American Center for Law and Justice) offers free Constitutions and other founding documents. You can google them. Also, Wallbuilders.com has a ton of resources.:)

[Peek a Boo]

the best pocket constitution is from constitutionfacts.com --we're using it in our gvt class :-)


In order to REALL understand the Constitution, he should read over the Articles of Confederation. Remember that the Constitution was written *as a result* of the failures of the AoC. You'll also want to include some readings of Common Sense as well as the Federalist Papers [or just a few of them].

My son is using the timeline from constitutioncenter.org as a guideline. Our gvt course is more of a "Constitutional History" class than a government class :-)

The Boy Scout Citizenship Merit badge has some great ideas, and it's free online:

http://www.scouting.org/boyscouts/resources/32215/mb/mb-CITW.html

I tend to fall back on wikipedia for a great overview of whatever we're researching. The Declaration, Articles of Confederation, Constitution, preamble, and various people are all there. I'd suggest making a "Who's Who in Constitutional History" kind of book.

I downloaded a free Government book that looks pretty good, but I don't remember where I got it!! :( I'd fall back on Library resources and LOTS of biographies.

good luck!

[Peek a Boo]

oh--

and if you are Christian, teenpact.org is a very cool program :-)

[Peek a Boo]

here's a free printable pocket Constritution [but the one i talked about above is worth the three bucks!]

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=bb93667706f7d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCR D&vgnextchannel=bb93667706f7d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1 RCRD

[HomeOnTheRanch]

Thanks! I looked at the Teenpact website and I'm ready to sign him up, but it isn't available in our state.

"Due to the fragile nature of Homeschooling in California, HSLDA has advised us not to bring the program to the state capitol at this time. California teens are invited to Phoenix to participate in the Judicial Moot Court Program each summer in conjunction with Alliance Defense Fund. See www.tpjudicial.org for details."

Actually, the capitol of the neighboring state is closer to us than our own state's. Is it allowed to jump states for this? I truly don't understand their reasoning for not bringing it to CA.

[Peek a Boo]

aarrrghh!! This is one area that I disagree w/ HSLDA on --"the fragile state of homeschooling" ---even in CA, there are a number of Very Strong programs for homeschoolers. I dare say that HSLDA's position to KEEP teenpact out of CA does nothing to *strengthen* the homeschool movement. Here in TX, THSC has broken w/ HSLDA on a few issues.

I'd definitely ask your neighboring state's TeenPact if they will let you jump states. I guess that if they have a waiting list they'll want to cater to their state citizens first [and let them know upfront you realize that], but it's worth a call!! Good luck tho!!

oh --and check out another state's Teenpact site for the homework they expect you to dop before you ever show up --TONS of great info!!! a free downloadable book, lots of worksheets, and info about writing/reading a bill.

[Peek a Boo]

one more resource:

School House Rock!! Not just the video/song [Preamble, lol], but they also have *software* --we used the one about I'm just a Bill several years ago --check your library! Your library will also have documentaries and other kid videos about the Gvt/Constitution/ Declaration. You might want to preview 1776 cuz it has a few racy moments, but i watched it on the stage when I was 13 and it was a memorable experience. I'll be letting my own ds 13 watch it.

Another video resource: if you haven't let your kids watch The Patriot, you might consider letting them watch JUST the beginning, where Mel Gibson is giving his testimony about NOT leaving England. We don't hear that side too much :)

have you seen Liberty's Kids? It's a cartoon series that PBS put out, but it's very good. It's not on in our area anymore :(

[HomeOnTheRanch]

Wow, Peek! I'll say it again...THANKS! I've requested a few resources from our library. We already have copies of the Federalist/Anti-Federalist Papers.

DS was telling me yesterday how the current gov't is not doing things much better than the king was. :p

[Peek a Boo]

DS was telling me yesterday how the current gov't is not doing things much better than the king was. :p

Ya know, Walter Williams has mentioned that "the first" civil war didn't work......

food for thought :D

check out Hillsdale College's policies and Ron Paul's stance on gvt, hee hee. shoot, even Dennis Kucinich garners more respect from me than most politicians, lol.

[AmyinPA]

heritagefoundation.org

[Teresa in OR]

He might enjoy ConSource (the Constitutional Sources Project) (http://www.consource.org/index.asp)