A Plan for Freedom

The people who built the government of the United States more than 200 years ago knew that freedom was important. They wrote on paper their ideas for a free country. This paper is the Constitution, and it explains how the government should work. Part of the Constitution is the Bill of Rights. It lists freedoms that all Americans share.

People who have freedom also have responsibilities. One responsibility is knowing that others have rights, too. We should not hurt others or break the law, but we are free to make choices.

This shows the beginning of the U.S. Constitution. The actual document, including the Bill of Rights, is several pages. Some additional laws, or amendments, have been added more recently.

This shows the beginning of the U.S. Constitution. The actual document, including the Bill of Rights, is several pages. Some additional laws, or amendments, have been added more recently.

Key Vocabulary

  • government n., the people who control the country according to certain laws

  • responsibility n., something you should do because it is right

  • law n., a country’s rules

Historical Background

The Constitution explains the powers of the U.S. government. It became law in 1789. The Bill of Rights contains the first ten amendments, or changes, to the Constitution. The amendments protect the rights of every U.S. citizen. They were added in 1791.